Signs Your Loved One May Be Having A Stroke

When someone you love is having a stroke, every second counts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Over four million Americans who’ve survived a stroke are living with a subsequent disability – and 30% of those affected are permanently disabled.

However, when a stroke is treated quickly, the risk of death, disability, and severe brain damage is greatly reduced.

Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and you may be able to save the life of someone you love.

Signs of a stroke

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has identified these five major signs of a stroke, all of which come on suddenly and unexpectedly:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness

This will generally affect the face, arm, or leg, and will often impact one side more than the other.

2. Sudden confusion

This includes difficulty speaking, trouble understanding what others are saying, or an inability to form a cohesive thought.

3. Sudden trouble seeing

Vision can be affected in one or both eyes.

4. Sudden difficulty walking

Dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination can make it hard to walk.

5. Sudden severe headache

Pain will come on quickly and without a known cause.

What to do if someone is having a stroke

A stroke cuts off blood supply to the brain, either through a blockage or a burst blood vessel. Without a blood supply, your brain cells can die. That’s why it’s extremely important to get immediate treatment.

If you suspect your loved one is having a stroke, you must act quickly. Use the FAST acronym to help you remember what to do:

F: Face. Ask them to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

A: Arms. Ask them to raise both of their arms. Does one arm begin to drift downward?

S: Speech. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Do they slur or say the wrong thing?

T: Time. If the answer to any of the questions above is “Yes,” you must act quickly and call 911 right away. Also, note the time that the first symptoms began to occur. The medical team will need to know this information to determine the best course of treatment.

Stroke therapy can help prevent long-term disabilities

For stroke survivors, a comprehensive rehabilitation program is the key to regaining independence - and the sooner stroke rehab begins, the better the chances are for a successful recovery. Treatment plans vary based on individual patient needs, but generally include:

• Physical therapy

Exercises and balance training help stroke patients regain motor skills, coordination, and strength.

• Occupational therapy

By focusing on the patient’s abilities, therapists identify new ways of performing everyday tasks, encouraging independence and self-care.

• Speech therapy

Patients who have speech problems will relearn communication skills, and if necessary, how to swallow again.

Stroke rehabilitation begins at Bella Vista Health Center in San Diego

With a coveted five-star rating, Bella Vista Health Center is one of the best stroke rehabilitation centers in San Diego.

We offer customized treatment plans with daily therapy from our experienced physical, occupational, and speech therapists, while coordinating care from in-house doctors and nursing staff.

Our goal is to help each of our patients regain their strength and live as independently as possible.

If your loved one has suffered a stroke, call us at (619) 644-1000 to find out more about our stroke rehab program.

5 Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms

According to the American Heart Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in America.  While that is a sobering statistic, you may find this one more hopeful: 6.6 million people who have had strokes are alive today. Not all strokes are fatal, and the more familiar you and your family are with the stroke warning signs and symptoms, the better chance your chance of getting the lifesaving help you need. 

What is a stroke? 

A stroke is the blockage or bursting of a blood vessel that feeds into the brain. The interrupted flow of nutrients affects both the brain tissue and the part of the body that the affected brain tissue controls. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) happens when a blood clot briefly clogs an artery, causing stroke-like symptoms that last for a few minutes and then go away.  It’s just as crucial to seek medical attention following a TIA because it can sometimes foretell a major stroke to come.  

Read on for more information about the following 5 warning signs and symptoms of a stroke. 

5 warning signs and symptoms of a stroke

A stroke comes on quickly and with no warning. If you or a loved one experiences these 5 warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, it’s important to get help right away to minimize the damage. The faster you seek help, the less likely you are to suffer long-term damage, and the higher the chances of recovery. 

1. Sudden numbness or weakness – often on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg

2. Sudden confusion – difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences

3. Sudden vision changes – including blurriness or trouble seeing in one or both eyes

4. Sudden loss of balance – difficulty walking, dizziness, and loss of coordination

5. Sudden abrupt headache – often throbbing, severe, and unlike other headaches experienced in the past.

The FAST test

If you think you or someone you love is having a stroke, the acronym FAST can help you remember what to look for and what to do. 

F for face droopiness. 
Ask the person to smile. Look for droopiness on one side of the face. 

A for arm weakness. 
Ask the person to raise their arms. Check to see if one arm drifts downward or appears otherwise weak. 

S for speech difficulties. 
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Listen for slurred words or unclear sentence structure. 

T for Time to call 911. 
If you notice any of the stroke warning signs above, it’s vital to get to the hospital as quickly as possible. 

Post stroke recovery at Bella Vista

At Bella Vista Health Center, we’re not only trained to keep an eye out for the warning signs of stroke in our residents, but we’re also equipped to aid in the recovery process for anyone who has suffered a stroke. Our skilled nursing facility provides a comfortable and nurturing environment, and every patient receives a personalized treatment plan created by a team of medical professionals dedicated to their care and recovery. Our occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech therapists often play an important role in helping patients regain independence and quality of life following a stroke. 

If you or someone you love has suffered a stroke and you’re looking for stroke rehabilitation in San Diego, please call (619) 667-6125 to schedule a tour of our 5-star facility today.