I often ask myself, “Where does the time go?” It seems to go faster and faster every year, and months fly by like minutes sometimes.
This personal observation has touched me though because it can take only minutes – maybe a few hours – following a stroke that can make or break the patient’s outcome.
Before May slips away and we usher in the month of June, I want to address one of this month’s most important themes, stroke awareness. It is an important subject that I feel compelled to address because time must not slip away when someone is having a stroke! Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke and understanding how to execute the BE FAST steps could mean the difference between life and death.
What is a stroke?
Simply put, a stroke occurs when blood flow to brain cells is interrupted.
Verywell Health explains in more sophisticated terms, “A stroke is a medical emergency in which blood flow in the brain is either blocked (called an ischemic stroke) or bleeds (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A stroke can affect a person's movement, coordination, cognition, speaking, and more. Recovering from a stroke can be a challenging and emotional process and is different for everyone. The location, extent of the lesion or tissue involvement, time before treatment, and other factors all affect the outlook for recovery.2 However, experts have identified a general pattern of motor recovery from stroke.”
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
I went to our local specialists at Riverside Healthcare and their award-winning Riverside Stroke Center to tap into their medical expertise.
“Did you know that having trouble speaking or understanding can be signs of a stroke? Sudden, severe headache, numbness or blurred vision are also early warning signs, and being able to recognize them immediately could save your life,” Riverside explains.
The most common stroke symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
BE FAST to Spot a Stroke
Outcomes vary depending on how quickly a person suffering a stroke receives medical attention, which is why we must BE FAST when a stroke is suspected. The BE FAST acronym is a means of identifying a possible stroke, and a reminder to act quickly.
Balance – Loss of balance or coordination
Eyes – Blurred, double, or loss of vision
Face – Drooping or numbness of the face
Arm – Weakness or numbness of the arms or legs on one side of the body
Speech – Slurred speech, inability to speak, or difficulties understanding
Time – No time to waste! If any of these symptoms are identified, call 911 immediately!
Do NOT let time slip away if you suspect someone is having a stroke! BE FAST!
Riverside Stroke Center is located at 350 N Wall Street in Kankakee and serves all of the surrounding areas.
Additionally, the compassionate caregivers at Home Helpers® assist seniors and aging adults who have suffered a stroke with stroke recovery support as well as a variety of in-home care services, like personal care, homemaker services, transportation assistance, and so much more. Our compassionate, highly trained caregivers will help you or your loved one progress through the stages of stroke recovery, no matter how long it takes.
I am available for a FREE Consultation to discuss ways our professional caregivers can provide assistance. This comprehensive assessment of needs will allow me to create a customized care plan to support stroke recovery efforts.
Home Helpers® Bourbonnais/Kankakee/Frankfort proudly serves male and female seniors, Veterans, and the differently-abled in Beecher, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Dwight, Frankfort, Kankakee, Manteno, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Tinley Park, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas. Contact me today to learn more about the many services offered through Home Helpers® - We are Making Life Easier℠ for you and yours! 815.427.4238
Sources:
Verywell Health
Riverside Healthcare
