May is American Stroke Month, a chance to bring awareness to an all-too-common medical emergency. Strokes occur when a clot blocks blood flow, or a rupture of blood flows to the brain, spinal cord, or retina. Strokes are a life-changing medical event and knowing how to spot one is crucial for a better prognosis.
Anybody can have a stroke, but you may have a higher risk if you:
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Smoke or use other forms of tobacco or nicotine (like vaping)
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Are older than 65
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Are Black
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Were assigned female at birth
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Use recreational or nonprescription drugs
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Having certain health conditions can increase your stroke risk, including:
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High blood pressure (hypertension)
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High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
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Diabetes
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Sleep apnea
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COVID-19 and some other infections
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Alcohol use disorder
When you spot a stroke warning sign, act fast. Recognizing the stroke warning signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference between a strong recovery or long-term disability, survival, or death. Learn the stroke warning signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.
Balance Issues
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Loss of balance
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Unstable with less coordination
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Stumbling or wobbling around
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Unable to walk straight
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Grabbing onto a stationary object
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Dizziness
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Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning
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Unsteady movements (like motion sickness)
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Acting like they are drunk (without having any alcohol)
Why can a stroke cause balance issues? Strokes can affect all areas of the brain, and most commonly affect areas responsible for balance and coordination, like the brain stem. Strokes also attack areas of the brain responsible for vision and motor control, which are necessary to maintain balance.
Eyesight Troubles
Why can a stroke cause eyesight troubles? The visual pathway, from the eyes to the occipital lobe (the brain’s visual processing center), is long and complex. A stroke can damage any part of this pathway, leading to various vision problems. Strokes can affect different areas of the brain including the occipital lobe and the brain stem. Most visual processing happens along the occipital lobe in the back of the brain. It’s the main vision center in the brain, but all of the brain lobes get visual information. The brain stem is located at the base of the brain, and this area controls eye movements, sensations related to balance and stability, and your ability to recognize and understand objects.
Face Drooping or Discomfort
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One side of the face is drooping or looks uneven (Ask the person to smile and observe their face. See if the face droops on one side.)
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Severe headache
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Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck with no known cause
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Touching their head or rubbing their temples
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Sensitivity to light
Why can a stroke cause face drooping or discomfort? During a stroke, blood flow to different parts of the brain can stop. If blood flow to the left side of the brain is compromised, the right side of the person’s face could droop or twist. If the blood flow to the right side of the brain is compromised, the left side of the person’s face could droop or twist. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for motor control of voluntary muscles. If the frontal lobe is affected during a stroke, the person may have trouble smiling.
Arm Weakness or Numbness
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Limb weakness
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Lack of strength in arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
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Wanting to sit or lay down
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Difficulty doing simple tasks
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A tingling feeling in the body (i.e., face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles
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Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas
Why can a stroke cause arm weakness or numbness? During a stroke, blood flow to different parts of the brain can stop. If blood flow to the left side of the brain is compromised, it could be hard for the person to lift or control the right arm. If blood flow to the right side of the brain is compromised, it could be hard for the person to lift or control the left arm. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for motor control of voluntary muscles. If the frontal lobe is affected during a stroke, the person may have trouble lifting both arms, or one arm could drift downward after it’s lifted.
Speech Difficulty
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Trouble speaking
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Slurred speech
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Sentences that can’t be understood or are nonsensical
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Difficulty having a conversation
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Confusion
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Unable to understand what is happening
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Can’t think clearly or feel thrown off
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Difficulty focusing
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Difficulty with making decisions
Why can a stroke cause speech difficulty? The parietal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for understanding speech and expression of thoughts. If blood flow to the parietal lobe is compromised during a stroke, a person could have a hard time speaking.
Time to Call 911
Call 911 immediately if you observe even one of the stroke symptoms in anyone, including yourself. On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment of stroke leads to higher survival rates and lower disability rates. Don’t die of doubt. Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. If you think you’re seeing a symptom, but aren’t sure, call 911. Any hospital emergency room, including Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Emergency Department, is ready to handle your stroke emergency.
Strokes are preventable. Maintaining your overall health is the best way to reduce your risk of a cerebellum stroke. In general, try to:
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Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and any health conditions you have
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Quit or never start smoking
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Eat plenty of healthy foods and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you
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Get regular physical activity
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Get a healthy amount of sleep each night
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Keep your appointments with your doctor
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Take recommended medications and talk to your doctor before making any changes
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Call 911 if I see or have any stroke warning signs or symptoms
