Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke
Every 40 seconds, someone in the US experiences a stroke. The medical emergency occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. It’s critical to seek immediate emergency care when a stroke occurs.
Stroke Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly can make a big difference in minimizing brain damage and improving the likelihood of recovery. You can respond effectively, avoid long-term disability, and possibly even save a life.
Think F.A.S.T.
The National Stroke Association has an acronym that helps older adults and their families recognize when a stroke is taking place. If you are noticing any of the following behaviors in yourself or your senior loved one, call 911 right away.
Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Take notice if one side of their face droops or is numb.
Arm weakness. Have your family member lift both of their arms. Does one arm drift downward? Are they weak or numb?
Speech difficulty. Pay attention to their speech, especially if they are slurring their words.
Time to call 911. If you notice any of the above warning signs, call emergency services as soon as possible. It’s crucial to note when the symptoms first started to occur.
Stroke can also present the following red flags:
- Sudden numbness on one side of the body.
- Confusion when the person is trying to speak or trouble understanding others.
- Vision problems and trouble seeing.
- Trouble walking due to vertigo or dizziness.
- A severe headache that has no known cause.
- A less common symptom is losing consciousness.
If you believe you are experiencing a stroke, don’t attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. The same is true if you suspect your senior loved one is having a stroke. You should not drive them yourself. Both scenarios require ambulance transportation so that life-saving treatment can be started as soon as possible.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA or mini stroke can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. Fortunately, with a TIA, symptoms pass within 24 hours. You should still seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing a TIA. Mini strokes often precede a full-blown stroke or cardiovascular emergency, and should be taken seriously.
Visiting Angels Crystal Lake Supports Senior Health
If you or your senior family member has recently experienced a stroke, you may require assistance around the home. Visiting Angels Crystal Lake is here to help with flexible in-home senior care options. Our kind and experienced caregivers can provide support with household tasks, including transportation to medical appointments, medication management, chores, nutritious meal prep, and more. We can also provide reliable and compassionate respite care for family caregivers needing a temporary (or long-term) break.
Having a helping hand at home can lighten the daily load of upkeep so seniors can fully recover from their condition and continue to age in place safely.
For more information about our home care services, please fill out our contact form or give us a call today at 815-479-0312.