Page 95 - Participant Manual

Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blood clot, resulting in the death of
brain cells. A stroke can also be caused by bleeding into the brain tissue. Strokes can cause permanent brain
damage, but with quick action, sometimes the damage can be stopped or reversed. Although strokes are
most common in older adults, a person of any age, even a child, can have a stroke.

Some people experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), or “mini-strokes.” TIAs cause signs
and symptoms similar to those of a stroke, but the signs and symptoms go away after a short period of
time. A person who has had a TIA is at very high risk for having a stroke in the near future. In fact, more
than 10 percent of people who have a TIA will have a stroke within 3 months, with half of these strokes
happening within 48 hours of the TIA. For this reason, whenever a person experiences signs and
symptoms of stroke, even if the signs and symptoms seem to go away, the person should seek immediate
medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

The signs and symptoms of stroke can vary from person to person. A person who is having a stroke may
suddenly develop one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

■ Trouble with speech and language, including slurring of words, being unable to form words or being
unable to understand what others are saying

■ Drooling or difficulty swallowing
■ Drooping of the features on one side of the face (for example, the eyelid and the corner of the mouth)

■ Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

■ Weakness
■ Paralysis or numbness of the face, arms or legs, especially on one side of the body

■ A sudden, severe headache
■ Dizziness or loss of balance

■ Confusion

■ Loss of consciousness
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
The “FAST” check (Figure 5-1) is a quick way of checking for signs and symptoms of stroke.

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