✔ Why does this happen:
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the areas that control movement.
This causes muscle weakness or paralysis, usually affecting one side of the body.
🚨 How to recognize it:
- Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drops, it’s a warning sign.
- Look at their faces. One side might droop as they try to smile.
- Check your grip. One hand may feel noticeably weaker than the other.
💡 What to do:
- If you notice this symptom, call an ambulance immediately.
- Don’t wait for the problem to go away: every minute is precious!
2. Confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding
If someone suddenly starts having trouble speaking, understanding words, or forming sentences, they may be having a stroke.
✔ Why does this happen:
A stroke can destroy the parts of the brain responsible for language, causing difficulty speaking and understanding conversations.
🚨 How to recognize it:
Ask them to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The sky is blue.”
If they ramble, don’t understand what they’re saying, or seem confused, that’s a warning sign.
💡 What to do:
Remain calm and speak slowly to the injured person.
Call a doctor immediately.
3. Severe headache and dizziness for no apparent reason
A sudden, extremely painful headache, often described as “the worst headache of my life,” could be a symptom of a stroke.
✔ Why does this happen:
A stroke can cause a blood vessel in the brain to rupture, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain). This causes severe pressure, pain, and dizziness.
🚨 How to recognize it:
The headache begins suddenly and is severe.
The person may feel dizzy, nauseous, or even faint.
Light or sounds may seem overwhelming.
💡 What to do:
Don’t ignore the pain! Call an ambulance immediately.
4. Vision problems or loss of coordination
Blurred vision, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, or difficulty walking straight can be negative signs of an impending stroke.
✔ Why does this happen:
Stroke impairs the brain’s ability to process visual information and maintain balance.
🚨 How to recognize it:
A person may suddenly have difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
They may stumble, feel dizzy, or lose their balance.
They may appear disoriented and unable to walk normally.
💡 What to do:
Help the person sit down to prevent them from falling.
Call an ambulance immediately.
Do not give food, drink, or medications until medical personnel arrive.
What to do in case of a stroke: RAPID INTERVENTION SAVES YOUR LIFE!
🚨 Use the FAST method to solve your stroke problem:
✅ F – Drooping Face: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?
✅ A – Arm Weakness: Ask them to raise both arms. Is one arm drooping?
✅ S – Difficulty Speaking: Ask them to say a simple sentence. Is they having difficulty speaking or having trouble speaking?
✅ T – It’s Time to Call 911: If you notice ANY of these symptoms, call 911 immediately!
💡 Why time is important:
- Every second counts: brain cells begin to die within minutes.
- Prompt medical intervention can prevent permanent disability.
- Stroke treatments, such as clot-busting drugs, are most effective within 3 hours of symptom onset.
