Stroke Symptoms - Respond Correctly

Recognize stroke

When it comes to a stroke, time counts. The consequences of a stroke can be limited if the signs are recognized in good time and those affected receive rapid medical treatment in the hospital. In many cases, a stroke is announced beforehand by characteristic symptoms. It is usually a very sudden onset of failure such as a short-term speech disorder or a numb feeling in the face, arm and / or leg. These temporary symptoms are often typical harbingers of an impending stroke…

navigation

• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools

The three main signs of a stroke

Paralysis and numbness

A sudden onset of paralysis on one side of the body is a characteristic sign of a stroke. For example, an arm falls down for no reason, the corners of the mouth droop or problems arise when trying to get up. Symptoms of paralysis can also show up if those affected suddenly fall for no apparent reason. In some cases, for example, people feel an arm is numb and touch is not felt.

Speech disorder

Speech disorders can manifest themselves through various symptoms. Those affected often have problems finding the right words, using the wrong letters or twisting syllables. Conversely, it can also be that they themselves have difficulty understanding what is being said. As a result, you can often no longer follow simple instructions (speech understanding disorder). In rare cases, they can no longer speak at all. It can also lead to slurred speech (= speech disorder).

Visual disturbance

If someone has a stroke, their eyesight may be reduced. Some sufferers see twice or half of the picture, for example when reading, has suddenly disappeared. Temporary blindness in one eye can rarely occur.

The following signs can indicate a stroke:

Dizziness and impaired balance:

Those affected can experience sudden dizziness, which is usually associated with a tendency to fall to the side (vertigo). It usually does not occur in isolation, but together with other complaints such as double vision, swallowing disorders, paralysis or numbness. Sudden, severe headache

Sudden, extremely severe headaches can be a sign of a certain type of cerebral hemorrhage - subarachnoid hemorrhage - and require clarification. This is a bleeding in the area of ​​the very painful meninges that surround the brain.

Stroke - React Correctly

If such complaints can be recognized in a fellow human being, notify the rescue immediately. This recommendation applies regardless of the age of the person affected, because strokes can occur not only in older people, but - albeit less often - in younger people. In many cases, however, younger people are not even considered to have had a stroke. This is why, on average, it takes young men up to the age of 40 the longest before they receive adequate medical care. Early measures can save nerve cells in the brain from dying. The first few hours in particular are crucial in the event of a stroke.For example, within the first few hours after a stroke, a blood clot in the brain can be resolved by a special treatment (thrombolysis).

Image source: German Stroke Foundation