In the event of an acute stroke attack, there is one critical factor that could make a very big difference in saving a life - the essence of time. A person who suffers from a stroke attack needs to be immediately attended to by a specialist in internal medicine to be given the necessary treatment that could save that person's life.
Medical experts say the ideal time frame to start treatment on an acute stroke victim is within 3 hours from the showing of symptoms. In some cases, treatment can be extended up to 6 hours depending on circumstances. Immediate management of acute stroke involves control of blood pressure, thrombolytic therapy, and, intubation procedures in more serious cases. Medical specialists need to make critical decisions during this acute phase. Beyond the ideal time frame given, either a life is wasted or irreparable damage on brain function happens.
Living near or being within just a few kilometers radius of a hospital facility is a most fortunate circumstance if you or your loved one suffers a stroke. Do not waste even a second in bringing him to the nearest hospital for proper medical attention. Within an hour after the patient arrives in the facility, medical personnel, who are trained to handle acute stroke victims, work on stabilizing the condition of the patient, perform neurological and cardiovascular assessment and evaluation and request for laboratory procedures and imaging.
So what are the warning signs of stroke that one should look out for? The most common symptoms include:
- Sudden paralysis, numbness or weakness of an arm or leg or one side of the face. To test a possibility of a stroke attack, ask the person to raise both his arms together over his head. When one arm uncontrollably falls, a stroke may have occurred.
- Drooping face is observed when one side of the mouth drops off when you try to smile.
- Sudden problems with speaking usually in a garbled manner or trouble understanding
- Sudden double, blackened or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden onset of brain dysfunction such as confusion, problems with balance and loss of coordination
- Severe, sudden headache without known cause which may sometimes manifest together with dizziness, vomiting or change in consciousness.
Scientific studies have also proven that aspirin, an anti-thrombotic drug, helps in preventing another stroke from happening by preventing formation of blood clots. When blood clots form, it can block flow of blood to body organs resulting in a heart attack.
One doesn't have to be an expert in internal medicine to know the symptoms of stroke and its management. This vital knowledge may help save the life of your loved one or your very own life.
