Understanding the warning signs of stroke and knowing how to respond can
save lives and minimize the impact of stroke-related disabilities. Below,
we provide essential information on stroke, including its signs and symptoms,
care options, and specific considerations for women.
Recognizing Stroke: BE FAST
B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
E - Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
F - Face: Face drooping or numbness, especially on one side.
A - Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm, often on one side of the body.
S - Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
T - Time: Time to call 911 immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
If you or someone you know experiences any of the BE FAST symptoms, do
not wait. Call 911 immediately. Time is crucial, and early intervention
can significantly improve outcomes.
Care and Treatment
When you arrive at the hospital, we will determine the type and severity
of your stroke. We may implement treatment options like IV Thrombolytics
(clot-dissolving medication) or mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to
remove the blood clots from the blocked vessels in the brain.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After receiving initial care, stroke victims may go through rehabilitation
to learn how to manage any long-term problems and regain lost skills.
In order to address emotional and psychological difficulties, rehabilitation
may involve speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling.
Stroke in Women
Women may experience unique symptoms and risk factors. Such as:
sudden face and limb pain
hiccups
nausea
general weakness
Additionally, women may have specific risk factors, such as pregnancy,
hormone replacement therapy, and certain birth control methods. Women
need to be aware of these differences and seek prompt medical attention
if they suspect a stroke.
Stroke in Toddlers, Children and Teens
Signs of stroke are often missed in children and teens due to a lack of
awareness. About half of the children who had a stroke had previously
identified risk factors. Medical conditions associated with stroke in
children include Sickle Cell Disease, Moyamoya Disease, Arterial Dissection,
Autoimmune Disorders, Congenital Heart Disease, and Blood Clotting Disorders.
Warning Signs of Stroke in Children:
Sudden severe headache, especially accompanied by vomiting and sleepiness.
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body (face, arm, and/or leg).
Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or understanding others.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
New onset of seizures, typically on one side of the body.
To learn more about signs of stroke in children, click
here.
Stroke Educational Videos
To access our stroke educational videos and learn more about stroke please click
here.
Stroke Support Group
Having a Stroke is a Life altering experience. Support groups are a great
way to meet other stroke survivors and care partners who understand what
you are going through. Our mission is to enhance the lives of survivors
and care partners through self-help education and supportive discussions.
Life After Stroke is a group for stroke survivors and those who care for
and about them.
This group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 10:00-11:30 am.
For more information, please call
909.865.9823 or email
stroke.support@pvhmc.org.
If you or your loved one needs stroke care or for more information about
stroke, signs, and symptoms of treatment options, stroke rehabilitation
and our stroke support group, please call
909.630.7222. Our dedicated stroke line is available Monday-Friday 7:00 am - 7 pm.
If this is an emergency please call 911.
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