What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
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Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Key Indicators
Sudden Onset of Neurological Deficits
A stroke typically presents with a sudden onset of focal neurological deficits that reach maximum intensity at the onset. Common symptoms include sudden unilateral numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and visual disturbances1 3. These symptoms are critical indicators that immediate medical attention is required.
Atypical Presentations: Stroke Chameleons
In some cases, strokes may present atypically, mimicking other medical conditions. These are referred to as "stroke chameleons" and can lead to misdiagnosis. Despite these atypical presentations, the urgency of recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms remains paramount1.
Immediate Actions to Take
Call Emergency Services
The first and most crucial step if you suspect someone is having a stroke is to call emergency services immediately. In many countries, this involves dialing a specific emergency number (e.g., 911 in the United States, 15 in France). Prompt activation of emergency medical services (EMS) is essential for rapid stroke management and significantly reduces delays in treatment1 3.
Early Treatment and Its Importance
Early treatment is vital as it can save lives and reduce the long-term effects of a stroke. Rapid medical intervention can prevent extensive brain damage, long-term disability, or death. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly can have a profound impact on the clinical outcomes for the stroke patient1 3.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting swiftly by calling emergency services can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery. Typical symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speech difficulties, and visual problems. In cases of atypical presentations, maintaining a high index of suspicion for stroke is crucial. Early intervention is key to minimizing brain damage and improving functional outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
[First aid for stroke: how to recognise it and what to do]
Rapid recognition of stroke symptoms leads to early treatment and improved clinical outcomes, with direct impact on stroke survival and functional outcome.
Information provision for stroke survivors and their carers.
Active information provision may improve stroke-related knowledge and reduce anxiety and depression slightly for stroke survivors.
Emergency Management of Stroke
Seek emergency care at the first sign of stroke symptoms to prevent long-term brain damage and death.
Treating stroke: home or hospital?
Stroke patients with severe symptoms require hospital care for optimal treatment.
Is this patient having a stroke?
Focusing on 3 neurological findings (acute facial paresis, arm drift, or abnormal speech) may improve diagnostic accuracy and reliability in evaluating patients with possible stroke and choosing appropriate treatments.
Acute Stroke
Revascularization therapies and blood pressure reduction are key to treating ischemic stroke, while admission to dedicated stroke units improves outcomes for intracerebral hemorrhage.
Developments in treating the nonmotor symptoms of stroke
Noninvasive brain stimulation and medications show promise in treating post-stroke mood disorders and epilepsy, with limited evidence for other nonmotor symptoms.
In-hospital stroke
In-hospital strokes can be effectively managed with interventional therapies, but delays in recognition and assessment often hinder their timely treatment.
Triage, treatment, and transfer: evidence-based clinical practice recommendations and models of nursing care for the first 72 hours of admission to hospital for acute stroke.
Nurses play a crucial role in identifying and triaging acute stroke patients, coordinating timely care, and ensuring timely transfer to acute stroke unit care.
Self‐management programmes for quality of life in people with stroke
Self-management programs can improve quality of life for stroke survivors by promoting informed choices, adopting new perspectives, and fostering emotional stability.
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