A stroke, also known as a "brain attack", is caused by a disruption in the flow of blood to an area of the brain. Strokes may be caused by either a clot or a burst blood vessel, but either one can cause brain cells to die and create permanent brain damage. The exact damage caused depends on the area of the brain that is harmed, but can include vital functions like memory, speech, and movement. The best way to prevent brain injury from a stroke is to have frequent tests that monitor the health of your brain, checking for possible risk factors that might indicate future problems. HealthFair administers these tests every day, and has helped hundreds of people avoid potentially life threatening strokes. Contact us to learn more about scheduling a test – even the most comprehensive exam takes less than an hour.
Sadly, many individuals do not undergo this testing and don't know they're at risk, which is why it is vital to know the symptoms of a stroke. If you know the symptoms of a stroke, you can know whether you're having one and recognize one in a family member, friend, or even a complete stranger. The earlier the symptoms of a stroke are detected, the earlier doctors can restore normal blood flow and stop the brain from being damaged. If you observe the symptoms of a stroke, don't hesitate to call emergency services.
Symptom 1: Rapid Onset Headache
All symptoms of a stroke share one important characteristic: they appear suddenly. That's because they appear as the affected area of the brain loses blood, which is itself a sudden occurrence.
Symptom 2: Sudden Difficulty Walking, In Particular Problems With Balancing Or Becoming Dizzy
The motion center of the brain is often damaged during a stroke. When this damage occurs, symptoms of a stroke are visible in the way a person moves. He or she might have trouble staying upright, or might feel suddenly uncoordinated. If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, they are symptoms of a stroke.
Symptom 3: Rapid Onset Of Confusion And Disorientation
Stroke victims often lose their ability to comprehend their surroundings during an attack. These symptoms of a stroke are often very apparent to visitors, but can be difficult for an individual to determine for him or herself.
Symptom 4: Rapid Onset Vision Problems Or Blurriness
Unexplained, sudden vision changes are definite symptoms of a stroke. These are also easy for individuals to recognize in themselves, and should always be a sign to call 911.
Symptom 5: Rapid Onset Weakening Or Numbing Of The Body
Unexplained muscle weakness or numbness is one of the most common and recognizable symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms of a stroke are often present on one side of the body only, and usually affect the face, arm, or leg.
Symptom 6: Sudden Slurred Or Difficult Speech
Individuals who suffer a stroke commonly find that their speech becomes slurred and hard for visitors to understand. This is one of the symptoms of a stroke that is easiest for observers to note, but often difficult for the individual to recognize. It's also one of the few that might be noted during a phone call by a friend or loved one.
If you experience or observe any of these symptoms of a stroke, call 911 immediately.
If possible, note when the symptoms of a stroke first began to appear, as this may impact treatment options.
Options For Preventing A Stroke
There are few clear ways to reduce your risk for a stroke, but medical professionals agree that tests can reveal early warning signs. These warning signs can help you and your family be prepared for a stroke, recognize the symptoms of a stroke faster, and get help in time to limit the damage.
HealthFair provides mobile screening services that can help determine your risk for a stroke. Our screenings are completely confidential, and all appointments are conducted in our comfortable and private customized bus. A full roster of tests takes less than an hour and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Schedule a screening today and learn about your true risk for a stroke. Call us at (877) 503-4634 to make an appointment.