Heart
Attack |
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Many
of the symptoms of a stroke can be confused with other illnesses. For
instance, dizziness can be caused by any one of a dozen other ailments.
Weakness or numbness of the face could be caused by a viral infection of
a facial nerve, for example. However, stroke symptoms are different
because they usually come on suddenly and stick with you. In the case of
a temporary blockage, referred to as transient ischemic attack, the
symptoms may vanish within a few hours and the person will
completely regain function. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore
TIAs. About 36 percent of TIA sufferers go on to have full-blown
strokes.
Because there are now therapies that will bust up
clots before they do extensive damage, it’s essential to know the
warning signs listed below and respond immediately by calling 911 or
transporting the person to a hospital. When speaking with emergency
medical personnel, emphasize that you suspect a stroke in progress and
you want immediate treatment. As with a heart attack, minutes count!
If you notice any of these symptoms
appearing suddenly in yourself, a friend, a relative or a co-worker,
call 911 immediately:
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,
especially if it’s only happening to one side of the body
- Confusion or fainting
- Trouble speaking and understanding
- Dimming, blurring or complete loss of vision in
one or both eyes
- Trouble walking or dizziness and loss of
coordination or balance
- Severe headache, with no known cause
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