4 Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

A stroke, or “brain attack” occurs when the flow of fresh, oxygen-filled blood from the heart and lungs to the brain is interrupted by a blockage or rupture. This starves the brain of its energy source and causes nerve cells to die, resulting in a loss of function in the areas controlled by the affected part of the brain. Strokes can impact every aspect of health – physical, psychological, social and emotional.

Each May, the National Stroke Association strives to raise public awareness of stroke in hopes of increasing understanding of the impact it has in the lives of many and reducing its incidence. According to the National Stroke Association:

  • Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in America.
  • While some people recover fully from stroke, more than two thirds of survivors will have some type of disability.
  • A stroke occurs approximately every 40 seconds.
  • Stroke takes a life every four minutes.
  • Approximately 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
  • African Americans have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared with Caucasians.
  • Nearly two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke. With each passing minute, the risk of permanent brain damage, disability or death increases. It is essential to recognize the symptoms and act FAST!

Stroke Symptoms

  1. Face – Does the person have difficulty smiling? Does one side of the face droop?
  2. Arms – Is there weakness when attempting to lift the arms? Does one arm drift downward?
  3. Speech – Does the person have slurred speech? Can he/she repeat a simple sentence?
  4. Time – Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of these symptoms are present.

What Happens After a Stroke?

  1. After suffering a stroke, it’s common for the survivor to experience reduced mobility, cognitive impairments, and emotional instability; however, these symptoms can lead to several other conditions that are also important to be aware of. Below you’ll find a list of these conditions and what you can do to help reduce symptoms.

    • Skin breakdown and muscle contractures – Use a splint or brace in conjunction with spasticity management, stretching programs, and exercise to help prevent skin breakdown and muscle contractures.
    • Blood clots – Stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle to decrease your risk of blood clots. Visit your doctor to find out more about pharmacological therapies to reduce your risk of blood clots.
    • Incontinence – Talk to your doctor about different therapies to decrease incontinent episodes.
    • Hemiplegic shoulder pain – Supportive slings, taping techniques, and/or electrical stimulation can decrease pain associated with hemiplegic shoulder pain.
    • Depression – Speak with your doctor and/or a medical psychologist about symptoms of depression. Attend support group sessions to network with other stroke survivors.
    • Increased falls – Work on balance, strength, safety, and home modifications in occupational therapies and physical therapies to help reduce the risk of falls. It is also important to continue an exercise program after discharge from therapy to maintain and improve the level of independence.

    Join Sheltering Arms and the National Stroke Association in this month’s awareness efforts! Learn more about our stroke rehabilitation services today!

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

5 Types of Adaptive Equipment for Individuals with Limb Loss

Navigating your home environment and daily life following limb loss can feel challenging at first. Fortunately, there is a robust market of adaptive equipment and assistive technology designed to make life safer, more accessible, and more efficient. Here are five key categories of adaptive equipment that can be highly beneficial following an amputation.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery: 5 Ways to Support a Smoother Recovery

Preparing for a knee replacement involves more than scheduling surgery. The steps you take beforehand can make a real difference in how you move, feel, and recover afterward. Building strength, improving mobility, and knowing what to expect can help you go into surgery feeling more confident and better prepared. This approach is called prehabilitation, or prehab. Here are five ways to set yourself up for a smoother recovery after knee replacement.

How to Safely Exercise in the Summer Heat: 4 Essential Tips

Exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but during hot summers it can pose a health risk. If you are someone who prefers to exercise outdoors, it is important to follow precautions and know your risk. As we exercise, our muscles work and our core body temperature rises. Our circulatory system is responsible for transporting heat to the skin surface, which causes us to sweat. When it is hot and humid outside, our bodies cannot evaporate sweat as easily, trapping more heat in the body.

Connected Pain: How Your Neck May Be Causing Your Headaches

If you have ever dealt with nagging neck pain, you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that roughly half of us will experience a significant episode of neck pain at some point in our lives. Whether it stems from a sudden whiplash injury, age-related changes like arthritis, a pinched nerve, or simply the daily muscle strain of looking down at our phones or computer screens, neck pain is incredibly disruptive. It can present as a dull ache or a sharp, catching pain, and it often robs you of your ability to turn your head comfortably. But there is another common symptom of neck stiffness that surprises many people: headaches.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct, separate professions, each requiring its own specialized education, licensing, and expertise. Because both fields share the ultimate goal of improving a patient’s independence and quality of life, their roles can sometimes seem to overlap.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.