Published on Nov. 1, 2018
You Don't Feel a Stroke: Why Every Minute Matters
A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning. Unlike a heart attack, which is often associated with chest pain, a stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack" because its symptoms may be harder to recognize.
Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability, yet many people do not know the warning signs or how quickly they need to act.
Understanding what a stroke is, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking immediate treatment can help save a life and reduce long-term disability.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
This can happen when:
- A blood clot blocks an artery supplying blood to the brain
- A blood vessel in the brain ruptures or breaks
In either situation, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When this happens, abilities controlled by the affected area of the brain can be altered or lost.
Depending on where the stroke occurs, it may affect:
- Speech
- Movement
- Vision
- Memory
- Balance
- Cognitive function
The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the stroke and the amount of brain tissue affected.
Why Stroke Symptoms Are Easy to Miss
When someone experiences a heart attack, they often feel chest pain or discomfort.
Stroke symptoms can be very different.
You cannot feel a blood vessel breaking or a clot blocking blood flow in the brain. Someone may be speaking normally one moment and suddenly:
- Become confused
- Slur their speech
- Develop weakness on one side of the body
- Have trouble understanding others
Because these symptoms can appear unexpectedly, recognizing them quickly is critical.
Types of Stroke
There are two primary types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery and cuts off blood flow to the brain.
This is the most common type of stroke and can occur in two ways:
Embolic Stroke
An embolic stroke happens when a clot travels through the bloodstream and suddenly blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
Thrombotic Stroke
A thrombotic stroke occurs when blood flow becomes blocked because of a clot that develops within an artery already narrowed by plaque or other buildup.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
Common causes include:
- High blood pressure
- Cerebral aneurysms
- Other conditions that weaken blood vessels
An aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel wall that can rupture and cause bleeding in the brain.
What Is a Mini-Stroke?
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked.
A TIA can cause symptoms similar to a stroke, including:
- Weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Vision changes
- Balance problems
How a TIA Differs From a Stroke
Unlike a stroke, the blockage is temporary and symptoms eventually disappear.
By definition, a TIA resolves within 24 hours, though most symptoms improve within minutes.
While symptoms may go away, a TIA should never be ignored.
A Mini-Stroke Is a Warning Sign
A TIA is often a warning that a more serious stroke may occur in the future if preventive measures are not taken.
Seeking immediate medical evaluation after a TIA can help reduce the risk of a future stroke.
Know the Warning Signs: Think F.A.S.T.
The easiest way to recognize a stroke is to remember F.A.S.T.
F – Face Drooping
Ask the person to smile.
Look to see if one side of the face droops or appears uneven.
A – Arm Weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms.
Does one arm drift downward?
S – Speech Difficulty
Listen for slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly.
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T – Time to Call 9-1-1
If you notice any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Quick treatment can help reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.
Other Stroke Symptoms to Watch For
In addition to the F.A.S.T. warning signs, stroke symptoms may include:
- Sudden weakness in the arm, leg, or face
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden difficulty walking
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical care right away.
Stroke Is a Medical Emergency
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke:
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Note the time symptoms first appeared.
- Wait for emergency medical services to arrive.
- Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Emergency responders can begin treatment immediately and transport patients to a specialized stroke center as quickly as possible.
Designated Stroke Receiving Centers
The following MemorialCare hospitals are designated stroke receiving centers:
These facilities are equipped to provide specialized stroke evaluation and treatment.
Are Strokes Preventable?
The encouraging news is that 80% of strokes are preventable.
Risk Factors You Cannot Control
Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed, including:
- Age
- Sex
- Family history
- Race and ethnicity
Risk Factors You Can Control
Many stroke risk factors can be improved through lifestyle changes and medical management.
These include:
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
Working with your healthcare provider to address these risk factors can significantly reduce your stroke risk.
Every Second Counts During a Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The faster treatment begins, the greater the chance of preserving brain function and reducing long-term disability.
Remember to think F.A.S.T. If you notice facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulties, it's time to call 9-1-1.
Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly could save a life.
Source: American Stroke Association