Stroke, according to the National Stroke Association, is listed as the 5th leading cause of death in America, with approximately 800,000 people suffering from a stroke on an annual basis. This signifies that every 40 seconds someone somewhere in America experiences a stroke. And every 4 minutes someone dies as a result of a stroke.
If you are helping an elder or chronically ailing friend or family member who is at an elevated risk for stroke, it’s essential to make sure that you’re equipped to identify the stroke symptoms. The more rapidly you obtain professional medical help, the more likely the individual will survive the stroke. Symptoms of stroke might include sudden onset of:
- Numbness or weakness in the arm, face, or leg – predominantly on one side of the body
- Trouble with speaking or understanding and confusion
- Blurry vision
- Struggles with walking, feeling dizzy, loss of coordination or balance
- Major headache with no particular known cause
If you observe these stroke symptoms in someone, remember to act F.A.S.T.
Face: Ask the person to smile and notice if one side appears to droop.
Arms: Ask the person to lift up both arms. Does one arm droop downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a basic sentence. When he/she does, determine if speech is slurred or if the person is not able to put together words properly.
Time: Time is critical! If you notice any of the above symptoms, call 911 immediately or make sure the person gets to a hospital as soon as possible!
At CareFor of Austin, we take pride in providing expert, trained and experienced caregivers to care for your loved ones. We offer a broad range of senior home care services, such as companionship, help with meals, personal care, and help around the home, to meet all your in-home care needs. You can call us at (512) 338-4533 or email us to learn more about our home health care in San Marcos and the surrounding area or to schedule a free in-home assessment.