If you have a history or high blood pressure or strokes in your family history, you need to know the stroke warning signs. Knowing the telltale signs of a stroke and getting medical help immediately can often reduce the damage and prevent death. Knowing the onset signs of a stroke can be a lifesaver in more ways than one.
What Happened to "Joe"?
For example, "Joe" is in his mid to late 40's. He has always been a hard worker on the job, fixes his own car-rather than take it to the mechanic, and is always willing to help a neighbor shovel out after a snow storm.
He is not overweight and appears to be in picture perfect health. But, something inside of "Joe" is a ticking time bomb, just waiting to go off. Taken entirely by surprise, he is found in the hallway of his home, obviously in distress. An ambulance is called. Because his health is so precarious, his is stabilized and sent to a larger hospital that is adequately prepared to supplement his care.
Two months later, "Joe" is finally released from the hospital; but, he is still unable to come home. After intense physical and occupational therapy, "Joe" is ready to go back to his house. But, his house is not ready for him. Friends and family quickly build a ramp and do what they can to make his abode handicapped accessible.
Because he will need constant care, "Joe's" wife must quit her job. Even still, she can not manage alone. So, their daughter and her husband move back home, to provide a greater level of care and some reply for Mom.
What will happen to You?
What will happen to you, if you have a stroke? Will you be like Joe and be totally caught off guard? Or, will you recognize the first telltale signs of an objection stroke and get help before too much brain damage occurs?
Well, there are no guarantees. But, you can increase the odds of surviving a stroke and reducing the damage, if you know the signs and symptoms of the sunset of a stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you are having a stroke, you may:
- Have trouble walking and start to stumble
- Your words might be slurred or you will not be able to come up with the right words
- You may experience numbness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Have trouble seeing
- A sharp head coming on suddenly, with stiff neck, facial pain, or vomiting
If it feels like you are having a stroke, try to get help immediately. Call emergency and find a safe place to wait, so you do not fall and cause even further injury or trauma.
The Good News Regarding Strokes
The good news regarding strokes is that more people survive strokes than even 20-30 years ago. Knowing that high blood pressure, smoking, and high bad cholesterol are often the culprits helps potential stroke victims to monitor their health, quit bad habits, and seek the proper medical care necessary to reduce the chances of having a stroke.
So, if you have a family history of strokes or health concerns that could lead to a stroke, seek medical care and follow the advice given to prevent a stroke from occurring in the first place.