The article was written in collaboration with stroke-il
Identify early signs
When it comes to stroke, reaction time is critical. Knowing the early signs of a stroke can allow you to act quickly and get medical treatment in time. These are symptoms that can appear suddenly and without warning, so it is important to be alert for any unusual changes in health. Correct identification of these signs will help you and your relatives get the help you need quickly, and prevent / reduce serious or long-term damage. Here are some of the early signs that can indicate a stroke:
- Difficulty speaking: If someone has trouble speaking, can't articulate clear words, or their speech sounds slurred, it may be a sign of a stroke.
- Numbness in the face or limbs: Sudden numbness in the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body, is another sign.
- Difficulty understanding: If someone has difficulty understanding what is being said to them, or responds slowly and not according to the situation, it may be a stroke.
- Sharp headaches: A severe and sudden headache, especially if it is accompanied by dizziness or nausea, can be a sign of a stroke.
How to check signs at home:
Your vigilance is critical and here are the signs to refer to:
Smile test: Ask the person to smile and check if their smile is asymmetrical, meaning one side of the face goes down.
Arm Raise Test: Ask the person to raise their arms and see if there is a drop in one arm.
Speech test: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence and see if they have trouble speaking clearly.
What to do when you recognize signs?
Quick response: If you recognize signs of a stroke, act immediately! Call the EMS and inform your relative's condition clearly. Time is critical in such cases, and immediate treatment can prevent/reduce serious damage.
Immediate treatment methods: In the hospital, the medical staff will perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment according to the type of stroke. Treatments can include drugs to dissolve clots, thermal treatments, and sometimes even surgery. Decisions will be made according to the specific medical condition.
The importance of timely response
Morbidity and recovery rate: A quick response to a stroke may significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce complications. The faster the reaction, the less damage to the brain can be done and the chance of a full recovery can be improved. As happened to Rachel and Yossi:
Rachel, 55 years old, suddenly felt numbness on the left side of her face. Her husband recognized the signs quickly, called the EMS, and Rachel arrived at the hospital in less than an hour. Thanks to quick treatment, she was able to recover almost completely and with no damage left.Yossi, 65 years old, woke up with a severe headache and could not speak clearly. His wife noticed the signs and insisted on taking him to the hospital immediately. Although he arrived relatively late, the quick treatment he received improved his condition and reduced the damage to a minimum.
Questions and answers
Q: What should I do if I suspect someone is having a stroke?
A: Call the EMS immediately. Response time is critical, so it's important to act quickly.
Q: How can I tell if I'm having a stroke?
A: Look for signs such as difficulty speaking, numbness on one side of the body, or a sudden, severe headache. If you recognize such signs, contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.
Q: What happens if you don't act on time?
A: If you do not act in time, the damage of the stroke may be more serious, and their effect on the body may be more severe. Immediate treatment can prevent damage and increase the chance of a full recovery.
Q: Are there ways to prevent a stroke?
A: A stroke is indeed a life-threatening condition, but there are many factors that can be controlled to reduce the risk of a stroke, so it is certainly possible to reduce the risk of its occurrence. Stroke cannot be completely prevented, but there are steps that can help prevent it, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
The Israeli Stroke Center
Early detection and rapid response to stroke are critical keys to saving lives and preventing serious damage. If you or someone you love recognizes signs of a stroke, do not hesitate to act immediately and seek immediate medical help.
In such cases, every minute counts. The Israeli Stroke Center offers professional and advanced treatment with a team of experts skilled in managing urgent and critical cases of stroke. With rapid access and state-of-the-art technologies, the center provides comprehensive examinations and accompaniment by a stroke specialist after hospitalization or suspected stroke, which are necessary to minimize damage and improve the chances of optimal recovery for the patients, while involving the patient's immediate family members.
Visit our website or contact us now to schedule an appointment / consultation https://stroke-il.com/
The article was written in collaboration with stroke-il