Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Is dad having a stroke? What do I do?

You’re having your usual Sunday afternoon chat with dad, he’s laughing at one of your lame jokes – and suddenly stops. He says something, but you can’t hear what it is. His speech is slurred and his infectious smile is suddenly gone. Is he having a stroke?

We hope that you never have to experience this. If you do, though, we want to be sure you’re prepared.

What is happening?

When someone has a stroke, the blood supply to their brain gets cut off; blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the brain and without these, cells become damaged and die.

There are 3 different types of stroke, which is also known as a “brain attack”.

1.Ischaemic stroke

This happens when the blood supply to the brain is stopped – usually by a type of blockage such as a blood clot. (Although drugs or blood vessel damage can also lead to this type of stroke.)

2. Haemorrhagic stroke

A blood vessel in the brain splits, which causes bleeding on, or in the brain. This type of stroke is less common, but is far more serious.

3. Transient Ischaemic attack (TIA)

This is commonly known as a “mini-stroke” – but dad would have the same symptoms as a normal stroke. However, unlike the other types of stroke, the blockage is temporary, and symptoms will last for a maximum of 24 hours. You would still need to be seen by a doctor to be sure!

What do you do?

You may start panicking when someone close to you suddenly has symptoms of a stroke. Take a few, deep breaths, and remind yourself that you need to think clearly in order to help them.

So, how do you recognize all the symptoms of a stroke? Here’s an easy mnemonic to help you remember: it’s just 4 letters: F.A.S.T! 

  • Face. Ask dad to smile to see if one side of his face is drooping
  • Arms.  Ask him to raise both arms. Does one of his arms drift downwards?
  • Speech. Is dad able to repeat a simple sentence in a clear voice?
  • Time. If you see any of these symptoms, call an ambulance, immediately!

These questions help to see if the brain has lost the ability to communicate to your body: a sure sign of stroke.

One more important thing

While there are uncontrollable risk factors, dad (and you!) can lessen the likelihood of a stroke by making certain lifestyle changes such as: quitting smoking, watching alcohol intake, exercising and following a healthy, balanced diet.

Seeing a loved-one having a stroke feels devastating, but by acting FAST, you have the power to save their life! Here’s to many more Sunday afternoon chats with Pops!

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