Find out how to run the stroke test. This is important because one in three deaths or permanent brain damage is caused by a stroke. It leads to paresis, handicaps and even death. Over time, the likelihood of brain damage increases. A quick reaction may be the only chance for a complete recovery.

Why should I know how to perform astroke test ? In the event of a stroke, quick help not only can save a life, but also decide how much damage it will do to the patient's brain. This is why neuroscientists have developed a simple and easy test to identify a stroke - anyone can do it.

Stroke test

If you suspect someone may be having a strokea strokeask them to do three things:

1. let her smile

  • norm: both sides of the face remain symmetrical
  • suspected stroke: mouth corner drooping

2. let him repeat the phrases: "flannel jackets", "checkered radiator"

  • norm: phrase repeated correctly
  • suspicion of stroke: slurred speech, slurred speech, the patient does not repeat the same words at all or repeats the same words

3. have the limbs lifted in a supine position - separate hands, separate legs

  • norm: raises arms / legs and keeps them at the same level with eyes closed
  • suspected of having a stroke: does not lift the limb on one side of the body or does it, but the arm or leg immediately descends slowly.

Why is the stroke test important?

If no blood flows to a brain cell for 3-4 minutes, it ceases to exist. When there is a failure in the vessels supplying blood to the brain and it does not reach the area responsible for individual functions or activities - we lose the ability to perform them. Therefore, the patient should go to the neurological ward with a CT scanner as soon as possible.

If the drug is administered within the first hour, statistically every second patient has a chance to regain full fitness. If the drug is administered within 3 hours, every seventh patient has a chance of recovery.

If warning signals for a stroke are noticed early enough, surgical restoration of the carotid arteries is possible. Thenyou may not have a stroke at all, or your circulation will be restored. Usually, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia so that the doctor has contact with the patient.

Important

Warning symptoms of stroke

  • Sudden weakness of a limb on one side of the body, sensory disturbance, contortion of the face, dropping the corner of the mouth.
  • Sudden loss of ability to speak or understand.
  • Sudden visual disturbances, often affecting only one eye.
  • Staggering (very severe) headache.
  • Sudden dizziness and unsteady gait (like a drunk person).
  • Inability to maintain balance, even when sitting.

What causes strokes?

Experts point out that age is the main risk factor. We have no influence on it, but we can minimize other threats. Strokes are favored by:

  • hypertension
  • smoking
  • heart disease, some cardiac arrhythmias, especially atrial fibrillation
  • alcohol abuse
  • diabetes
  • disorders of fat metabolism, atherosclerosis
  • obesity
  • no traffic.

The higher your blood pressure, the higher your risk of stroke. Setting blood pressure within the ideal value, i.e. 120/80 mmHg, reduces the risk of stroke by as much as 30-40%. The same will happen when we regain proper weight, stop smoking or start exercising regularly.

Stroke Symptoms

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