Stroke: Classification, Symptoms And Treatment
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A stroke is one of the most serious, and most common medical emergencies. One in six Australians will have a stroke in their lifetime, but not enough people understand what a stroke actually is. Knowing whether you’re at risk, what you can do to prevent them, and how you can help someone are all invaluable knowledge too few people possess, to say nothing of the ability to recognise them. Being prepared for a stroke starts before the emergency does.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is cut off. That interruption is caused either by a blocked blood vessel in the brain or by one that has ruptured and bled into the surrounding tissue. This kills off brain cells, and the longer it takes to get treatment, the more cells die and the more serious the consequences are, ranging from loss of mobility to death.
The Different Types of Stoke
Every stroke is different. The effects depend on which part of the brain is affected, how large the damaged area is, and how quickly treatment is received.
An ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for around 80% of all cases.
A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a blood vessel in the brain rupturing and bleeding into the surrounding tissue. Although less common than ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic strokes carry a higher risk of death. High blood pressure is the most common cause.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, is caused by a temporary blockage of blood to the brain. Symptoms appear suddenly but resolve within minutes to hours, leaving no permanent brain damage. A TIA is a serious warning: about 30% of people who go on to have an ischaemic stroke will have had a TIA at some point before in their lives.
Stroke Risk Factors
Stroke risk factors fall into two categories: those you can change and those you cannot. Managing the changeable ones can help offset the fixed risks.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, a diet high in salt and saturated fat, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity all raise the risk of stroke.
Fixed factors
Stroke risk increases with age. Men are more likely to have a stroke than women, although women are more likely to die from one. A family history of stroke is also a risk factor, as is having previously had a stroke or TIA.
FAST: The Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke
The FAST acronym is the clearest tool for identifying signs of stroke and knowing when to call for help. These symptoms can appear in any combination or alone. While none guarantee a stroke, all should be treated with that level of urgency. FACE stands for:
F: Face Ask the person to smile. If they are having a stroke one side of their face may droop.
A: Arms Ask the person to raise both arms and hold them up. It is another strike sign if they are too weak to raise the arm on one side.
S: Speech Ask the person a simple question, such as their name or where they are. Slurred words, garbled speech, or difficulty understanding what is being said are all symptoms of stroke.
T: Time If you notice any of these signs, call 000 immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared. This information helps medical teams determine which treatments are available.
Beyond FAST, other stroke symptoms can include a sudden severe headache with no known cause, sudden loss of balance or coordination, sudden blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes, and sudden numbness or weakness down one side of the body.
First Aid for Stroke Victims
A stroke demands an immediate call to 000. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen or resolve, and do not drive the person to hospital yourself. While you wait for the ambulance, take these steps:
- Call 000 and tell the operator you suspect signs of a stroke.
- Help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position and support their head and shoulders with a pillow, something soft, or even your hands. Speak to them slowly and calmly.
- Loosen any tight clothing around their neck or chest to help them breathe.
- Do not give the person food, drink, or any medication. Swallowing can be impaired, making eating or drinking dangerous, and food or drink can cause complications if the person needs surgery.
- If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing normally, roll them carefully onto their side and tilt their head back slightly to keep the airway open. Be prepared to start CPR if their breathing stops completely.
- Stay with the person until paramedics arrive.
Preventing Strokes
Managing the controllable risk factors discussed earlier reduces your risk of stroke directly. But diet and exercise won’t make significant changes overnight, and they can only take you so far.
Acting quickly in the first few minutes when you first notice the signs of a stroke is the best way to give someone the chance at a quick and full recovery. Through a first aid course, you can gain the practical skills to act in those critical minutes. The people around you may one day face a stroke with only you there to help, and enrolling in first aid training prepares you for that moment.
FAQs
Can a Stroke Happen During Sleep?
Yes. Around 20% of ischaemic strokes are wake-up strokes, where the person goes to sleep without symptoms and wakes to find they have them.
Is Fatigue Common After Stroke?
Fatigue is among the most frequently reported difficulties after stroke, with some studies finding that around half of survivors describe it as their main ongoing problem at twelve months. Unlike general tiredness, post-stroke fatigue can persist regardless of how much rest a person gets.
What Is the Difference Between a Stroke and a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, while a stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Both can be caused by blood clots, but different organs are affected and different symptoms are produced. Heart attack symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain spreading to the arm or jaw, whereas stroke symptoms primarily affect the face, arms, and speech.
