Understanding a stroke and its symptoms
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When that happens, brain cells can be deprived of oxygen, potentially causing permanent damage. Learn more about types of stroke.
27,428 Australians had their first stroke in 2020, which is roughly one every 19 minutes. Yet despite how common they are, many people aren’t familiar with stroke warning signs or how to know if you’re having a stroke. When it comes to stroke, time is of the essence, so making sure you are equipped to recognise and respond rapidly is vital.
How to know if someone is having a stroke
While stroke presents differently from person to person, there are some common indicators represented by the stroke memory-prompt F.A.S.T.
Stroke Assessment: Act F.A.S.T.
Face – watch for facial drooping on one side or an inability to smile.
Arms – check for numbness on one side or problems lifting one or both arms.
Speech – listen for slurring, problems forming or understanding words, or a general sense of confusion.
Time – act fast to minimise damage.
Other common signs and symptoms of a stroke
While the F.A.S.T. stroke assessment represents the most typical signs and symptoms of stroke, it’s also worth keeping an eye out for other potential indicators, including:
- A sudden and unusually painful headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision or loss of sight
- Complete paralysis along one side of the body
- Balance and coordination issues
- Dizziness
- An inability to swallow.
If you’re concerned that you, or someone else, is having a stroke, call 000 immediately.
Silent stroke symptoms
Silent stroke is, as the name suggests, harder to identify. In fact, it rarely reveals itself without an MRI or CT scan, where white spots or lesions will show the areas where brain cells have stopped working.
Silent stroke gets its name because it damages parts of the brain that don’t control visible functions, like movement or speech. This makes it difficult to tell that a stroke has even occurred. Silent stroke symptoms can be very subtle and easy to miss. It is very easy not to recognise the signs of a silent stroke. In fact, you may not be able to recognise them at all until a brain scan has undergone, revealing any damage.
The 5 signs of silent stroke, which are often mistaken for general signs of ageing, are:
- Poor balance
- Frequent falls
- Problems with bladder control
- Mood changes
- Cognitive challenges.
What are some mini stroke symptoms?
Fleeting symptoms of stroke may indicate a mini stroke – also called a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) – which can last from a few minutes up to a period of several hours. Though they are transient, they should never be ignored. As discussed in our previous article on mini strokes, symptoms come on suddenly and depend on which part of the brain is affected.
- Weakness or paralysis
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Double vision
- Not being able to see to the left or right.
- Using the wrong words
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Loss of balance
As you may have noticed, mini stroke symptoms are common with other kinds of stroke. The key difference is the transient nature of these symptoms, which may signal a TIA.
The risk of stroke is highest in the first few hours and days after a TIA. Mini strokes are often neglected because of how rapidly symptoms improve and even disappear. By seeking urgent medical assessment, the person may be able to minimise the likelihood of a further, more damaging episode.
How do you test for stroke symptoms?
A quick test to identify a stroke is to ask the person to smile, raise both arms or say a simple sentence. If any of these pose a problem, call 000 immediately.
On arrival at the hospital, a physical examination and tests – potentially including a CT scan, MRI scan, blood tests, ECG, angiogram and/or ultrasound – will be used to check whether a stroke has occurred, what kind of stroke it is, and what treatment options are possible.
Considerations when checking for stroke symptoms
- Ensure the person is lying down on their side with their head slightly elevated.
- Avoid giving them food, drink, or medication in case they have difficulty swallowing.
- Keep them calm – stress or panic can worsen symptoms.
- Note any other changes in their conditions such as loss of consciousness.
Always call 000 immediately.
Getting support after stroke
If someone you know has experienced a stroke, they may need additional support at home. Mable can connect you with independent support workers who can provide different support services, such as personal care, social support and domestic assistance, nursing care, support with being physically active and exercising, and much more, to help you live independently at home.
FAQs
What are the common signs and symptoms of stroke?
The Australian Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test to identify a potential stroke:
- Face: Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- Arms: Can they lift both arms?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.
What are pre-stroke symptoms?
Pre-stroke is another name for a mini stroke or a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). While it may not cause any lasting damage, in many cases, it foreshadows a future stroke, so assessment by a doctor is essential.
What are the warning signs of a mini stroke?
Mini strokes or TIAs resemble a stroke but the symptoms last for a shorter time – usually from a few minutes to several hours. While they may not appear to cause lasting damage, they can act as a warning sign, flagging the potential for a more severe episode. Furthermore, even mini strokes, if repeated, can cause significant damage to accumulate.
How long do stroke symptoms last?
The cause of a stroke and the level of damage it causes in the brain varies widely, so there is no typical duration for how long stroke symptoms will last. Some may last for a few minutes while others may persist for hours or even days.
Can you feel a stroke coming?
It's possible to experience symptoms such as serious headache, numbness or tingling in the days before a significant stroke. In fact, research suggests that about 30% of patients who suffer an ischaemic attack experience smaller mini attacks days after (Transient ischaemic attacks) This means that TIAs are a warning sign that cannot be ignored.
Are numb lips a sign of stroke?
One of the most common signs of a stroke is numbness on one side of the face, including the lips. However, numb lips without numbness anywhere else on the face may not be a sign of a stroke on its own.
Is a numb tongue a sign of a stroke?
It may be, but there are various other causes for a numb tongue. If other symptoms in line with a stroke occur – such as numbness in other areas, dizziness, trouble speaking or loss of vision – call 000 immediately.
Do you faint when you have a stroke?
It is possible to faint or experience a loss of consciousness when having a stroke, though it isn't a common symptom.
What side of the face does a stroke affect?
A stroke can affect either side of the face, depending on which side of the brain is experiencing compromised blood flow. If the left side of the brain is experiencing the stroke, the right side of the face and body will be affected, and vice versa.
Is facial droop on the same side as stroke?
If blood flow to the left side of the brain is compromised, the right side of the person's face could droop, and vice versa.
Why do strokes happen on the left side?
Strokes happen on the left side of the body when blood flow is restricted on the right side of the brain.
Can a stroke happen on the right side?
Yes. Strokes happen on the right side of the body when blood flow is restricted on the left side of the brain.
The information provided in this article is general information only. In the event that you or someone else you know has a stroke, Mable encourages you to seek your own independent medical advice about strokes.
