Strokes are a serious medical concern, and can lead to complications farther on in your life – or worse. Knowing what signs to look for when detecting a stroke can save a life, and prevent any of those complications. There is a lot to know, but it is not hard to remember if you dedicate some time to stroke awareness.
Stroke awareness, and these 7 signs, are intended to help you, someone you know, or even a stranger in the case of a serious medical incident. Using this information can potentially save a life.
Drooping Side of the Body or Face
An easily noticeable sign of a stroke is one side of the body or face drooping. This physical reaction is caused by a loss of blood flow or clotting, which makes it easily identifiable. Although it can be incredibly scary, and people who are suffering from a stroke may not notice it, the ability to see this sign makes it easier to get help quickly.
Severe Migraine Headache
Headaches, even ones that are particularly nagging like a migraine, are often normal, but they can also indicate signs of an impending stroke. While not every headache is a cause for concern, they sometimes can be.
An incredibly painful and disruptive headache is going to be much more concerning, and a lot more recognizable. This is a potential sign of a stroke.
General Weakness
Sluggishness to the point where you are losing balance and feel incredibly weak is often cited as a form of stroke awareness. There are many times that you may feel weaker than usual, but the difference here is that it is a sudden onset of weakness which makes you feel incapable of even simple feats like speaking or cognitive function.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or HBP, is also a common medical condition. High blood pressure can cause problems long term like heart attacks or blood clotting, which are associated with strokes. Knowing how high your blood pressure, and the ways to prevent it, can greatly assist you in noticing a stroke before it occurs.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Sometimes the best thing to help recognize the signs of strokes is to know what pre-existing medical or health conditions you have. According to the experts found here, you can help prevent strokes, or at the very least assist in stroke awareness, by considering your existing health.
Online resources are available to help you compare what medical conditions may be most at risk for strokes, or how the symptoms are stroke-related. Things like medication or conditions can be used to help figure out if you are more or less susceptible to a stroke, and act accordingly.
It never hurts to be too prepared, so know how your medication can either be helping or hindering you, and consult with a doctor or medical professional for additional assistance.
Reduced/Loss of Motor Functions
The loss of motor functions is another example of a stroke symptom. This sign is also an obvious physical detriment. Much like weakness, the body starts to exhibit this symptom with the lack of movement in your legs, your arms, and the ability to focus.
Your motor functions can severely impact you because of a lack of blood flow to your brain. Reduced motor functions can result in more than just stroke-related issues, as any operation of vehicles can be impeded. It is good to notice this sign early, and it is something that can be detected quickly.
Loss of Vision
The loss of vision is also associated with headaches and motor functions. Losing your vision, or having blurry vision, is associated with blood loss in the brain, much like some of the other symptoms. This is something that can be noticed early and should be addressed very fast. If you notice these signs, then you should call 911, or find assistance.
Any kind of noticeable symptom comes with the benefit that they can be felt by you, or seen by someone you are with, and this can allow you to get the help you need fast.
Strokes are an incredibly serious health concern, and unfortunately, they are part of the daily concern for many. Pre-existing health conditions, noticeable physical symptoms, and reaction time are all things that need to be considered when assessing and acting on a potential stroke situation.
While it is a big deal, it is very useful to know the signs to help save lives. One of the biggest things that need to happen for someone going through a stroke is that they have to get help fast, and with these 7 signs, you can be prepared in case this ever happens to you or someone you know.