Picture of Arthur Koff and his dog Duncan
This information is provided by Art Koff, a senior in his late 70’s who “retired” after 40+ years from a successful career in advertising to found RetiredBrains.com, a job and information resource for boomers, retirees and people planning their retirement.
Stroke symptoms: important actions you should take to perhaps save your life as well as creating a better quality of life after your stroke:
Similar to a heart attack, a stroke is an emergency that requires you to seek immediate medical attention. Perhaps the most important action you can take is getting to the hospital as soon as you recognize these symptoms. Immediate treatment is the key to improving your outcome.
Rapid diagnosis and treatment of a stroke can minimize damage to your brain tissue and improve the chances of survival. Do not hesitate calling for an ambulance as your symptoms subside as many seemingly attacks are often followed by full-blown strokes.
Here are some of the symptoms of a stroke and the immediate actions you should take.
1. Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
2. Sudden loss, blurring, or dimness of vision
3. Mental confusion, loss of memory, or sudden loss of consciousness
4. Slurred speech, loss of speech, or problems understanding other people
5. A sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause
6. Unexplained dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, or falls
7. Nausea and vomiting, especially when accompanied by any of the above symptoms
Recognizing a Stroke.
STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters….S.T.R. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
- S – Ask the individual to SMILE..
- T – Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today).
- R – Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call an emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick out Your Tongue. Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his/her tongue.. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
Actions To Take
- Stay calm, but don’t downplay any of the symptoms or hesitate to take prompt action.
- Call or have someone call an ambulance. (Dial 911 in most parts of the United States.) Be sure to give your name, telephone number, and exact whereabouts.
- While waiting for the ambulance, the person having the stroke symptoms should be made as comfortable as possible and should not eat or drink anything other than water.
- If an ambulance cannot arrive within 20 to 30 minutes, have a family member, neighbor, or someone else drive the stroke patient to the hospital. Under no circumstances should the person experiencing the stroke symptoms drive.
- Notify the stroke patient’s doctor. The doctor can provide the hospital with the patient’s medical history, which may be important for determining the best treatment.
- At the hospital, be sure to list any medical conditions the stroke patient has (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), any allergies (particularly allergies to medications), and any medications the patient is currently taking, including over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician.
Personal experience of someone who suffered a stroke.
If you have experienced a stroke or have a friend or loved one who has, this information written by Mickey Padnos, an American currently living in France and recovering from a major stroke will be helpful and provide insights on what someone who has had a stroke is thinking and has gone through.. Click this link to read of his experience and thought process from the time he hit the floor through his therapy and recovery (page down to the “personal experience of someone who suffered a stroke” part of the page).
