Symptoms Of Stroke
Warning Signs Of Stroke

Symptoms Of Strokes

Contents

• What Are The Symptoms Of Stroke?
• Signs Of Ischemic Stroke
• Signs Of Hemorrhage Stroke
• What Are The Signs In Pregnant Women?
• What Will A Stroke Do To Me?

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Guide To Strokes in Women

What Are The Symptoms Of Stroke?

There are two types of strokes: ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke (images). Ischemic strokes account for 80 percent of all strokes and produce the classic symptoms associated with stroke including weakness of the face or arm, severe headaches and confusion. Hemorrhage strokes on the other hand are more likely to cause vomiting and headaches and symptoms develop over a few minutes or hours, whereas ischemic symptoms develop suddenly. It is important to recognize the signs of a stroke quickly because stroke treatment needs to be applied within 3 hours to be effective.

Signs Of Ischemic Stroke

All signs occur suddenly:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
• Mental confusion, trouble understanding or speaking.
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of coordination or balance.
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Severe headache with no identifiable cause.

Women occasionally report unique symptoms including sudden :

• Hiccups.
• Nausea.
• General weakness.
• Face and limb pain.
• Chest pain in women.
• Shortness of breath.
• Sudden cardiac palpitations.

Acting F.A.S.T.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, ask them to do this simple FAST test:

F—FACE
Ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—ARMS
Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—SPEECH
Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech strange or slurred?
T—TIME
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 straight away.

Signs Of Hemorrhage Stroke

Where an ischemic stroke strikes suddenly (due to a sudden blood clot), hemorrhages can build up over a few minutes or hours as blood gradually seeps into the brain causing swelling and damage. Classic symptoms of hemorrhage strokes include:

• Headaches.
• Nausea/Vomiting: Vomiting is an important diagnostic sign.
• Gradual loss of consciousness.
• Elevated blood pressure.

What Are The Signs In Pregnant Women?

One study showed that strokes were detected in about 71 of every 100,000 deliveries. The risk of stroke increases 47 percent before childbirth and rises to 83 percent in the 12 week postpartum period after birth. Stroke risk factors increase during pregnancy partly because of the higher volume of blood being pumped through the veins but also because of the increased risk of high blood pressure, blood clots and migraines (see causes of stroke). According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health, pregnant women should seek help if they experience sudden:

• Numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, mainly on one side of the body
• Difficulties seeing in one or both eyes.
• Loss of balance, trouble walking or vertigo.
• Confusion or difficulties talking or understanding what others are saying.
• Severe headache with no known cause.
• Face, leg or arm pain.
• Hiccups.
• Nausea.
• Chest pain.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pounding racing heartbeat.

What Will A Stroke Do To Me?

Effects of stroke: This depends on which part of the brain is affected. Different types of strokes can affect different functions such as speech, movement or mental processing, depending on the area of the brain which is starved of blood and oxygen. The longer brain cells (or any cells in the body) are starved of blood the more likely they are to die, losing permanent function. If the area of damage is extensive or in a particularly sensitive place - such as the part of the brain that controls breathing (pons) - full recovery is very unlikely. Many people affected in this way develop pneumonia and die. And if they do survive they have a time of severe disability ahead of them. If you have suffered a mini stroke, consider it a warning. Mini stroke produces stroke-like symptoms but do not cause permanent damage. The condition resolves on its own within 24 hours.

Interesting Facts

Damage to the left side of the brain can result in paralysis of the right side of the body. Conversely damage to the right side, paralyzes the left side. Stroke rehabilitation is an important part of the recovery process.

High blood pressure accounts for 30 to 50 percent of stroke risk factors.

Patients with type 2 diabetes are 2 to 3 times more like to have a stroke.

Next: Read about Stroke Diagnosis

Related Articles on Symptoms Of Stroke

For more related information, see the following:

• Vascular Screening

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