Heart attacks and strokes are among the most common emergencies in the medical world. The key to saving the life of the person suffering is to act fast. Unlike heart attacks that are accompanied by severe pain and other obvious symptoms, strokes can go undetected in the first stages.
A mild stroke could be misdiagnosed by either the patient or a loved one as simply fatigue or being overly stressed. If a doctor misdiagnoses a stroke, it could be a legal matter that you must discuss with a professional like the experts at The Tinker Law Firm PLLC.
Getting the best and fastest care if you suspect you are having a stroke is to get the treatment you need quickly. To be able to act fast, you need to understand the signs and symptoms of a stroke. In this article, we will take a closer look at the symptoms, how to Act F.A.S.T. and what to do and not do if you suspect you are having a stroke.
F.A.S.T.
To be better equipped, the signs have been turned into an easy-to-remember acronym F.A.S.T. which means Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.
Face
- Check the person’s face for signs of drooping on either side. Ask the person to smile and see if it looks lopsided.
Arms
- Ask the person to raise their arms to the sides and hold the position. If one of the arms starts to drift down on its own, it could signify a stroke.
Speech
- Have the person repeat a phrase to you and watch for any slurring or confused speech.
Time
- Acting quickly and getting medical assistance as fast as possible is essential.
What to Do When You Suspect a Stroke
Do Not Take Aspirin
Aspirin is commonly used as one of the first medications to treat a stroke. However, you should not take it if you suspect that you are having a stroke, however. Based on a person’s type of stroke, this could potentially be a fatal mistake. Instead, wait until medical professionals can assess the case.
Avoid Blood Pressure Medication
When you have a suspected stroke, you may notice high blood pressure. Acute hypertension occurs after a stroke. Do not take any high blood pressure medication. Blood gets past clots and gets to the brain easier with high blood pressure. Strokes can be made worse by taking blood pressure medicine.
Sit or Lie Down While You Wait
Wait for emergency medical services to arrive while sitting or lying down. Standing or walking may cause the patient to fall since they are not stable. Gravity is significantly reduced when lying down. More blood will get to the brain because the heart has to work less. Lie flat on your back and lift the chin up to keep the airway open.
No Food or Drink
If you suspect a stroke, avoid giving the person food or drink. They may choke if their swallowing is impaired. It is possible to choke on food if it obstructs the airway. An empty stomach is ideal in the emergency room as specific procedures may need to be performed.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, the key is to act quickly to get the help you need. Follow these guidelines to help you reduce the effects of a possibly devastating stroke.