Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsWhat to DoWhat Not to DoAfter a StrokeFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
What to Do
What Not to Do
After a Stroke
Frequently Asked Questions
Witnessing someone have astrokecan be a frightening experience. Because they can cause so much damage and lead to long-term disability or death, it’s important that everyone know the symptoms and what to do in the case of a stroke.
This article discusses what you should know about strokes, including warning signs, what to do, and what not to do if someone has a stroke.
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Stroke Symptoms
Sudden changes orsymptomsthat might indicate a stroke include:
Types of Strokes
If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call 911 as soon as possible.
A helpful tool to identify if someone is having a stroke is the FAST set ofwarning signs, which include:
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
1:30Think FAST With a Stroke
1:30
Think FAST With a Stroke
When calling 911, use the word “stroke” when speaking to the dispatcher to explain what is happening. Additional steps to take include:
When the paramedics arrive, communicate as clearly as possible about the events leading up to and including the patient’s stroke symptoms.
10 Signs That You Are at Risk of Stroke
In the event of a stroke, there are also several things you should not do, including:
How a Stroke Causes Brain Damage
It’s essential to keep the home safe for people who are recovering from a stroke. Some of the difficulties that a stroke patient may have include:
Managing these residual issues may require making changes in the home to ensure that stroke patients can move around as easily and safely as possible.
It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about walking needs and potential limitations at home. Some of the changes may include:
Anoccupational therapistcan help patients recovering from a stroke better manage daily activities and maintain as much independence as possible.
Summary
If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. The faster the person can get medical attention, the better their chance of recovery. Symptoms to look for include face drooping, arm or leg weakness, limb or face numbness, difficulty speaking, or severe headache with no known cause.
When you call 911, let the dispatcher know that the person has stroke symptoms, let medical personnel know when the stroke symptoms began, stay calm, and give CPR only if the person does not have a pulse or stops breathing.
A Word From Verywell
Watching someone experience stroke symptoms can be frightening. But it’s crucial to act quickly to ensure the person has the best chance of recovery. If you or someone around you experiences stroke symptoms or any decline in neurological function, call 911 as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStroke signs to look for include sudden changes such as:Numbness and weakness on the face, arms, or legs on one or both sides of the bodyConfusing speech or trouble speakingDifficulty seeing in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, loss of balance, or coordination issuesExtreme headache with unknown causeSome of the changes you can make at home following a stroke are:Improving floor coverings, such as removing rugs, which are tripping hazardsAllowing more space for walking and don’t rely on furniture for walkingInstalling handrailsKeeping one walker upstairs and one downstairsWearing flat shoesLimiting walking when distractedUsing walkers and other assistive devices as prescribed
Stroke signs to look for include sudden changes such as:Numbness and weakness on the face, arms, or legs on one or both sides of the bodyConfusing speech or trouble speakingDifficulty seeing in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, loss of balance, or coordination issuesExtreme headache with unknown cause
Stroke signs to look for include sudden changes such as:
Some of the changes you can make at home following a stroke are:Improving floor coverings, such as removing rugs, which are tripping hazardsAllowing more space for walking and don’t rely on furniture for walkingInstalling handrailsKeeping one walker upstairs and one downstairsWearing flat shoesLimiting walking when distractedUsing walkers and other assistive devices as prescribed
Some of the changes you can make at home following a stroke are:
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of a stroke.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke facts.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.UCI Health.Dos and don’ts if someone is having a stroke.American Stroke Association.Make your home work for you.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of a stroke.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke facts.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.UCI Health.Dos and don’ts if someone is having a stroke.American Stroke Association.Make your home work for you.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of a stroke.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke facts.American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.UCI Health.Dos and don’ts if someone is having a stroke.American Stroke Association.Make your home work for you.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Stroke facts.
American Stroke Association.Stroke symptoms.
UCI Health.Dos and don’ts if someone is having a stroke.
American Stroke Association.Make your home work for you.
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