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A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die within minutes.
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FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) is the quickest way to recognise stroke symptoms and call triple zero (000) immediately.
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Two main types of stroke exist: ischaemic stroke (blocked artery) and haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in or around the brain).
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Stroke vs heat stroke: a stroke affects brain blood supply, while heat stroke is a heat-related condition – both require urgent care.
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Other warning signs include sudden numbness, vision problems, dizziness, severe headache, or loss of balance.
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Immediate first aid for stroke: keep the person safe, do not give food or drink, and start CPR if unconscious and not breathing.
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Major stroke risk factors: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity.
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Stroke diagnosis in Australia involves MRI, CT scans, blood tests, ECG, and carotid ultrasound for accurate and timely treatment.
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Stroke prevention is possible—4 out of 5 strokes can be prevented by staying active, eating healthy, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol.
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First aid training equips you to act fast in stroke emergencies, helping save lives and improving recovery chances.
A stroke is a sudden and often life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Most health organizations worldwide use the acronym FAST (Facial Drooping, Arm Weakness, Speech Difficulty, and Time) to educate the public on how to spot the early warning signs of stroke. National Stroke Week is crucial in spreading this important message in Australia, encouraging everyone to learn and recognise these vital signs.
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of stroke can save lives and reduce the impact of stroke-related damage. This guide will also help you understand its risk factors and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke.
What is a Stroke?
According to the Stroke Foundation in Australia, an entity that develops national stroke guidelines, a stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, preventing brain tissue from getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
Brain cells begin to die in minutes, so timely medical intervention is critical.
What are the Types of Stroke?
There are two types of strokes:
Ischaemic Strokes
An Ischaemic Stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain.
Haemorrhagic Stroke
This type of stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain, often due to a ruptured blood vessel.
What is the Difference Between a Regular Stroke and a Heat Stroke?
A regular stroke is a cerebrovascular event affecting brain blood flow, while heat stroke is an extreme heat-induced condition affecting the body’s ability to cool itself. Both are medical emergencies requiring prompt treatment, but heat stroke and regular stroke differ significantly in their causes and symptoms.
How Do You Know If Someone is Having a Stroke?
Recognizing the signs of stroke and acting quickly can save lives. The acronym FAST can help you remember the most common signs of stroke.
Face
- Check if one side of the face droops or feels numb.
- Ask the person to smile and see if the smile is uneven.
Arms
- See if the person can raise both arms.
- Look for one arm drifting downward or being unable to lift one arm.
Speech
- Listen for slurred or strange speech.
- Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence to check for clarity.
Time is Critical
- If any of these signs are present, call triple zero (000) immediately. Time is of the essence in stroke treatment.
What are the Other Signs of Stroke?
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty walking or loss of balance
- Sudden dizziness
- Severe headache with no cause
What to Do While Waiting For an Ambulance?
If the person is Conscious
- Lay them down, and support the head with a pillow.
- Please do not give them anything to eat or drink.
- Loosen their clothing.
If the person is Unconscious
- Check their breathing.
- Put them on their side.
- If they do not have a pulse, start CPR immediately.
What are the Risk Factors of Stroke?
These factors can be divided into two categories: health conditions and lifestyle.
Health Conditions
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- High Cholesterol
- Atrial Fibrillation
Lifestyle
- Not having a balanced diet
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise or physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
How is a Stroke Diagnosed in Australia?
According to the Stroke Foundation, stroke is one of the leading causes of death in Australia.
That’s why an accurate diagnosis of a stroke is crucial because it allows immediate treatment, reduces brain damage and improves the chances of recovery.
To be able to get diagnosed with stroke typically involves a combination of physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests.
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Blood Tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Carotid Ultrasound
Can Strokes be Prevented?
According to Healthdirect, a government-funded health information service, four out of 5 strokes are preventable. Here are some of the things you can do to lessen your chance of having a stroke or how to prevent another stroke:
- Staying active and exercising regularly
- Eating healthy
- Having a regular health check-up
- Talking with your doctor to treat underlying medical conditions
- Quitting smoking
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
Conclusion
Strokes are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention. By recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to respond, you can help save lives. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing risk factors can significantly reduce stroke chances. Always seek medical advice if you have concerns about stroke risk and take proactive steps to maintain your health. It also doesn’t hurt to stay prepared and equipping yourself with the right skills and knowledge. You can do this by going through first aid training today.