National Stroke Awareness Month is here. You’d think people would know the signs of a stroke, but the truth is that only one out of every three younger adults know the signs. It’s essential to go over them with any grandchildren, younger cousins, or younger siblings.
When a stroke occurs, the chances of survival are significantly improved when quick medical attention is given. These are the things every family member should know about a stroke.
Have You Heard of FAST?
FAST is important to know. It’s the best way to identify and respond when a stroke occurs. It stands for:
F – Face
A – Arms
S – Speech
T – Take Action
During a stroke, the face droops. It often sags on one side. It can feel numb. See if your mom or dad can smile. If the smile is uneven or there is sagging, call 9-1-1.
One side of the body may be paralyzed or not have the same strength that it used to. Ask your parent to raise both arms. You may need to raise the arms for them. Does the arm on one side of the body go back down? It’s another sign of a stroke.
Speech slurs. If the person sounds drunk, can’t speak clearly, and is hard to understand, a stroke may be happening. You can ask your mom or dad to repeat a simple sentence or answer a question to see if your parent can speak.
Take action immediately. Call 9-1-1 or get your parent in the car and get to the hospital ASAP. The symptoms may seem to improve, but you still need to go to the ER to have doctors check your parent for signs of a stroke. Medications to break up the clot are important for recovery.
Other Signs of a Stroke
While FAST is the best method to determine if your parent has had a stroke, there are others. Sudden numbness in the face or extremities is a sign. If it’s located only on one side of the body, that’s typical. If your parent is confused and having a hard time understanding you, it’s another sign.
A stroke can also cause problems with gait, mobility, and vision. Finally, a severe headache that suddenly appears is a warning sign of a stroke caused by a brain aneurysm. With any of these, call paramedics or get to the ER.
Understanding Post-Stroke Care Needs
After a stroke, your mom or dad will spend time in the hospital. From there, your parent may go to a live-in rehabilitation facility or go home to work with home health care nurses and therapists. They help your parent re-learn vital skills like walking, talking, swallowing, and eating.
Your mom or dad also needs supportive services from an elderly care agency. Help with housework, laundry, bathing, personal care, toileting, and mobility are all helpful. Call an elderly care agency to make arrangements.