Table of Contents
Learning to recognise the signs of stroke could save a life, as stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia, affecting thousands of people each year. Recognising the warning signs of stroke could make the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and permanent brain damage. When someone near you is having a stroke, every minute counts, which is why knowing how to spot the symptoms of stroke and seek immediate medical attention is so crucial.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain gets interrupted, cutting off the oxygen and nutrients that brain cells need to survive. This disruption in blood supply causes brain damage within minutes, making stroke a true medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.
There are three main types of stroke to be aware of. An ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, occurring when a blood clot blocks an artery that supplies blood to your brain. This blockage stops blood flow to your brain, killing brain cells. A haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in your brain bursts, causing bleeding that damages surrounding brain tissue. The third type is a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, where blood flow gets temporarily blocked but quickly returns.
Recognising the Warning Signs of Stroke
The signs and symptoms of a stroke vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but there are common signs of stroke everyone needs to know. The Stroke Foundation advocates the FAST test to help you identify the early warning signs:
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Is their smile uneven or lopsided?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Can they keep both arms up, or does one arm weakness prevent this?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred, garbled, or strange?
Time: If you notice any of these signs, time is critical. Call emergency services immediately.
Other stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, particularly affecting one arm or one side of the face. Vision problems might appear, such as sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision. A severe headache with no known cause, dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking are also warning signs that someone may be having a stroke.
Stroke Risk Factors
Many stroke risk factors increase your chances of having a stroke, and recognising these risks helps you understand when to be more vigilant about signs of stroke. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke because it damages blood vessels over time. Other risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and irregular heart rhythms. Age matters too as stroke risk doubles every decade after 55.
You can’t change some risk factors, like family history, age, and gender. But you can control many stroke risk factors through lifestyle changes and medication. Knowing your personal risk of stroke helps you prevent future strokes.
What to Do in a Stroke Emergency
If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, act immediately. Call emergency services straight away and note when symptoms first appeared. This timing information helps medical professionals choose the best treatment options.
While waiting for emergency treatment, keep the person calm and comfortable. Don’t give them anything to eat or drink, as stroke can affect their ability to swallow safely. If they’re unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep their airway clear.
Stroke Prevention
Stroke prevention means managing the risk factors you can control. Regular exercise, eating well, not smoking, and limiting alcohol all help reduce your stroke risk. Treating conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is equally important.
Regular health check-ups help catch and manage stroke risk factors early. Your doctor can check your stroke risk and suggest ways to prevent strokes that work for your situation.
FAQs
Can young people have strokes?
Yes, stroke can happen at any age, including in children and young adults. While stroke risk increases with age, factors like blood clots, heart conditions, drug use, or genetic conditions can cause strokes in younger people. Don’t ignore signs of stroke just because someone seems “too young.”
How long do you have to get stroke treatment?
For ischaemic stroke, clot-busting medications work best within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset, though some treatments can be effective up to 24 hours. For haemorrhagic stroke, immediate treatment to stop the bleeding is crucial. This is why noting the time symptoms start is so important for emergency responders.
Are stroke symptoms different for women?
Women may experience additional stroke symptoms beyond the classic signs, including sudden nausea, general weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. Women are also more likely to have strokes at younger ages due to pregnancy-related risks and are often misdiagnosed in emergency situations.
