The blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain are known as carotid arteries that further distributes in the brain through small arteries. Also known as brain attack, a patient suffers from stroke if the oxygen supply stops in the affected part of the brain. When a person is having stroke, one has to seek medical help for the patient as soon as possible so as to save him/her from severe brain damage.
When does a person experience stroke?
A person experiences a brain attack or stroke when:
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The arteries in the brain are blocked (Ishchemic).
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Blood vessels in and around the brain rupture or burst causing bleeding (Hemorrhagic).
When the arteries are narrowed or ruptures it blocks the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain causing the brain cells to die.
Another type of stroke is the transient ischemic stroke (TIA) also known as a mini stroke that lasts for a few minutes and does not cause much damage.
How will you know when a person is having stroke?
To know when a person is having stroke and provide help one should follow the acronym F.A.S.T . This helps you to analyse the face, arms and speech of the person who is having a brain attack.
F is for Face drooping: If one side of the face droops when a person tries to smile.
A stands for Arms’ weakness: If one arm of the person drifts downward while trying to raise both his/her arms.
S is Speech Difficulty: A person who is suffering from stroke will have slurred speech. He/she won’t be able to make simple statements.
After you have analyzed all these signs, T stands for Time to call emergency care: Call for medical emergency help immediately after you see the above signs in the person.
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What are the other prominent symptoms of stroke?
The other prominent symptoms of stroke are:
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Severe headache followed by vomiting.
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Numbness of one side of the body.
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Difficulty in seeing.
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Lack of co-ordination or dizziness.
What should you do when a person is having stroke?
Before you can take the patient to a hospital or while you wait for an ambulance you can provide the patient with a few first aid remedies:
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Lay the person down on his/her side. Keep his/her head slightly raised and supported.
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They might feel sleepy after the first attack. Don’t let the patient fall asleep.
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Do not provide them with any medication, food or drinks.
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Loosen his/her clothes so that breathing can be easy.
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Support any of the limbs if weakness is evident. Do not pull them while moving the person.
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Call an ambulance if the person is severely affected by stroke. That way emergency responders may start life-saving treatment for him/her.
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If the person do not have a pulse or is not breathing perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) right away.
- Ask for instructions from an ambulance call taker over the phone if necessary.
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