Stroke
A stroke refers to the sudden death of brain cells from lack of oxygen, which occurs when the blood flow to the brain is either cut off or when blood spills into or pools around the brain as a result of a blood vessel bursting.[1][2][3][4]
A stroke caused by a blood clot or bleeding will produce symptoms within seconds.[6] Below are common symptoms associated with the onset of a stroke:
- One side of the face droops or sags
- Weakness, numbness, and or sudden paralysis particularly on one side of the body or in one part of the body, such as an arm, leg or face
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes to include double vision, blurring and dimness
- Slurred speech or sudden difficulty getting words out
- Confusion or difficulty understanding others
- Sudden and severe headache
- Difficulty or inability to swallow
- Sudden disorientation to include difficulty walking, loss of balance, and dizziness [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]
For More Information
For more in-depth information on stroke, read How can I tell if I'm having a stroke? in our Assited Living FAQ section.
References
1. Knoefel, Janice E. (n.d.) Stroke Awareness & Prevention. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.americangeriatrics.org/education/forum/stroke.shtml.
2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (May 26, 2009). NINDS Stroke Information Page. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/stroke.htm.
3. WebMD. (March 6, 2007). Symptoms. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.webmd.com/stroke/guide/stroke-symptoms.
4. WebMD. (March 6, 2007). Exams and Tests. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.webmd.com/stroke/guide/stroke-exams-and-tests.
5. National Stroke Association. (n.d.). Stroke Symptoms. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SYMP.
6. American Heart Association. (n.d.) Stroke Warning Signs. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3053.
7. American Stroke Association – A Division of American Heart Association. (March 20, 2009). Learn to Recognize a Stroke. Retrieved June 20, 2009, from http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1020.
