Symptoms of Stroke
A stroke is a major cause of permanent disability or even death. It is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. The following symptoms of stroke are warning signs that let you know if you may be experiencing a stroke. If these symptoms happen suddenly, please seek emergency medical attention.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, and leg on one side of the body
Sudden confusion
Sudden loss of vision or dimness, particularly in one eye
Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness, or sudden falls
Difficulty with walking and loss of balance or coordination
Severe headache without knowing why
Difficulty speaking or understanding words spoken to you
Temporary strokes that may occur within days or even months before a major stroke, caused by temporary blood blockage to the brain by clots, lasting only a few minutes or a few hours
Inability to recognize familiar things
Vertigo (sensation of the world spinning around)
Difficulty swallowing
Randomly sleepy, lethargic, or even unconscious
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It is important that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to contact medical help. A medical professional can diagnose you so that you will know what health conditions you may have, including a stroke. Never try to self-diagnose. If you experience symptoms that are common of stroke victims, you should immediately get emergency medical help so that you may be properly diagnosed and attended to.
In order to know fully whether or not your symptoms are the due to an actual stroke, you will need to be diagnosed. You will need to obtain information about your medical history and the medical history of your family to give to your doctor. Your doctor will ask you about symptoms you may be now experiencing or have experienced in the past. Be sure to have a current list of any medications you are taking. You doctor may also want to talk with someone who was with you at the time you experienced the symptoms.
A thorough physical examination will be conducted by your doctor. He will check your pulse and blood pressure, as well as examine the rest of your body, particularly the heart and lungs. You will be likely asked for a urinary sample and may have x-rays taken. There will be a detailed test of your muscles and nerves, and the doctor will check your strength, sensation, coordination, and reflexes. You will perform mental exercises also, as you will be asked questions to check your memory, speech, and thinking.
Additional testing may need to be done if your doctor is not satisfied with the results or cannot fully understand your problem, such as an MRI scan or a CAT scan. Both ways produce a 3D image of your head for the doctor to examine closely. And you may be referred to a medical specialist that focuses mainly on the brain, such as a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.
It may take a while to discover the cause of the stroke symptoms, whether it is an actual stroke or some other health issue. Sometimes the cause of the symptoms cannot even be determined. Be sure to ask any questions or mentions any concerns about your stroke or stroke-like symptoms that you may have to your doctor.
Symptoms of Post-Stroke
There many symptoms that people may experience after they have suffered a stroke that can occur during recovery or last for the rest of their lives.
Pressure sores
Permanent loss of movement or sensation of a part of the body
Loss of motion in joints
Muscle spasms
Permanent loss of brain functions
Inability to interact socially
Unable to communicate fully
Decreased ability to take care of self
Decreased life span
Urinary and respiratory tract infections
