Medical Emergencies: Stroke

What is Stroke?

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens , part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

What are the types of stroke?

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary clot.

What are the effects of stroke?

The brain is an extremely complex organ that controls various body functions. If a stroke occurs and blood flow can't reach the region that controls a particular body function, that part of the body won't work as it should.

Use the letters in "fast" to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1.

FACE DROOPING

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?

ARM WEAKNESS

Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

SPEECH DIFFICULTY

Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?

TIME TO CALL 9-1-1

If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, "I think this is a stroke" to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don't delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.

* For us living south of the border this is not the time to figure out your plan for yourself or loved one. Please have a plan in place. My plan would get on the road as soon as possible. Give 325mg of Aspirin and head to San Diego. When you get close to the border call 911 be calm explain the medical emergency, also what port of entry you will cross and have San Diego Fire Department waiting for you.