What to Do When Someone Is Experiencing a Stroke: Do's and Don'ts

 

A Stroke can manifest suddenly in individuals, which can be a quite frightening experience! The good news is, when treated on time, Stroke patients have high chances of a full recovery — particularly when they receive treatment from the best rehabilitation center in Bangalore. Since every second counts when it comes to a Stroke, here’s what you should keep in mind if a loved one is displaying symptoms.

Understanding Stroke

Also called a cerebrovascular accident, a Stroke is a type of brain damage caused by an interruption in its blood flow. It occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing the brain tissues from getting oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, the brain cells begin to die.

A Stroke may manifest differently for different patients. Symptoms may appear suddenly, as the impaired blood supply to the brain causes brain cells to shut down and impairs the bodily functions associated with that part of the brain. Here are a few indicators of stroke:

• Difficulties in talking or walking

• Impaired vision

• Vertigo

• Sudden headaches

Stages of stroke

Stroke occurs in three overlapping phases, each with a unique set of underlying neural phenomena. They are:

• Acute Phase: The initial phase is called the acute phase and lasts for about 2 weeks after the onset of the lesion. 

• Subacute Phase: The second phase is the subacute phase, and this usually lasts up to 6 months after onset. 

• Chronic Phase: Finally, the chronic phase begins months to years after stroke, and it may continue for the remainder of the person’s life.

What to do when someone is having a stroke

If you suspect that someone is having a Stroke, keep these tips in mind, so that you can give the individual the best chance of surviving the incident.

Dos

1. Use the FAST test to detect whether it is a Stroke

The FAST test will help you check for symptoms of a Stroke and act rapidly to get them to the emergency room. The acronym stands for the following steps:

• Face: Ask the patient to smile and check whether one side appears to be drooping

• Arms: Ask them to raise both arms and see whether one arm drifts downward involuntarily

• Speech: Ask them to say a simple sentence and check for slurring or strange pronunciation

• Time: If you see even one of these symptoms, it is time to call for help. Specify to the emergency responder on the phone that you suspect a Stroke

2. Gather as much information from the patient as possible

If the patient can speak, you should talk to them about how they are feeling, what medications they are on, whether they have had Strokes in the past, and so on. All of this is critical information to pass on to their doctor.

3. Perform CPR if necessary

While most Stroke patients do not need CPR, it is important to check them for a pulse. If there is none, you can perform CPR, which essentially consists of repeated and steady chest compressions.

Don’ts

1. Don’t let the patient go to sleep or refuse medical care

Several Stroke patients may feel sleepy when the attack happens. However, you need to ensure that they get to a hospital right away without wasting any time. You should also not let them talk you out of taking them to the hospital, even if they say they feel fine.

2. Don’t give them any medicine, food, or drink

While about 80% of Strokes are ischemic (caused by a clot in a blood vessel), the other 20% are hemorrhagic (caused by ruptured blood vessels). In the latter case, medicines like aspirin can be fatal. Since it isn’t possible to know which type of Stroke it is before the patient gets to the hospital, you should avoid giving them any medicine. Similarly, do not give them anything to eat or drink, as their ability to swallow may be impaired. 

3. Do not drive them to the doctor yourself

While you may be tempted to get the patient to the hospital as fast as possible, it is best to call an ambulance service, particularly if the Stroke symptoms are severe. This is because emergency responders can start administering treatment on the way to the hospital if needed. 

It is important to provide a patient with comprehensive rehabilitation and care in the chronic phase of the stroke, as much as in the acute phase or the subacute phase. This will result in an enhanced survival rate along with a better functional outcome.

 

While seeing a loved one suffer a Stroke can be mentally and emotionally disturbing, you must stay calm and take the right steps promptly. Time is of the essence in treating a Stroke of any magnitude, and by following these dos and don’ts, you can give them the best chance at survival and recovery at a rehabilitation center in Bangalore.