Stroke Awareness Month: Signs and Symptoms
Tips for recognizing stroke symptoms and learn about how you can help reduce your risk for strokes through preventive care.
Every year, strokes affect millions of lives worldwide, making them one of the leading causes of disability and death. Despite their prevalence, many people remain unaware of the signs and symptoms of strokes, as well as the crucial importance of acting quickly when they occur. As we observe Stroke Awareness Month this May, here’s some information to help you recognize stroke symptoms so you can seek immediate medical attention.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of essential oxygen and nutrients. This interruption can happen due to a blockage in an artery (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without prompt treatment, the affected brain cells begin to die, leading to potentially severe complications, including paralysis, speech difficulties and cognitive impairment.
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for prompt treatment and improved outcomes. The acronym FAST can help individuals remember the most common symptoms:
F - Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or become numb. Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
A - Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S - Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are they unable to do so correctly?
T - Time to call emergency services: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if they appear to go away, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in treating strokes.
Please note - not all strokes present with these classic symptoms. Other signs may include sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or severe headache with no known cause. Trust your instincts; if you suspect someone is having a stroke, seek medical help immediately.
Prevention and Treatment
While some risk factors for strokes, such as age and family history, cannot be changed, many others are within our control. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking can significantly reduce the risk of stroke. Additionally, managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol can help lower the risk.
When it comes to treatment, time is of the essence. Administering clot-busting medication or performing a procedure to remove the clot can help restore blood flow to the brain and minimize damage. However, these treatments are most effective when administered within the first few hours after the onset of symptoms. That's why recognizing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
Regular Medical Visits Help
One of the reasons Olympic Steel offers an incentive for annual wellness exams (and a PAID Healthy Day Off on the day of the exam) is because these regular exams can help identify early warning signs for illnesses like strokes and heart attacks. Identifying blood pressure or cholesterol issues early could help minimize your risk for a stroke. Learn more about our Wellness Program at SteelPerks.com and schedule your annual wellness visit to know your numbers and get a handle on your health.
Questions?
If you have questions about our medical plan or your benefits, please reach out to Brandi Kelley, Corporate Benefits Manager, at Brandi.Kelley@olysteel.com.
