The different symptoms of stroke

The different symptoms of stroke

Some of the people reading this have had a stroke and we are aware of this. That’s why we decided to open a page dedicated to stroke, to bring my point of view, my advices and my different tests about this accidentand help you as soon as I can !

This is of particular interest to us because, as you know, our favorite subject is memory loss and its many remedies, and as you know, the victims of a stroke are also subject to memory problems.

To start our series on stroke, here is a presentation of the different symptoms:

A stroke is a lesion of the cerebral tissue which is due to an interruption of the blood circulation towards the brain, it is then not supplied with oxygen. Stroke causes cell death in the affected area of the brain.

You must know that your speed of reaction is crucial! Because if you react in the very first hours, you will be able to take advantage of the best treatments but also avoid more serious symptoms.

You will say to me, but how can we recognize a stroke? We’ve come to the point: to be able to detect a stroke quickly, you need to know the symptoms.

First of all, you feel numbness or paralysis on one side of your body such as your face, arm, or leg. Then other symptoms will appear:

• A weakness on one side of your body
• Visual problems such as vision in one eye
• Numbness or tingling in the face, arms or legs
• Dizziness, fall.
• Difficulty expressing oneself or understanding others.
• A severe headache and nausea

If you feel these signs, call for help immediately! or consult your doctor without delay.

Be careful, it should be noted that the people at risk are those over 65 years old, especially those whose blood pressure, diabetes, heart rate or overweight are not controlled, people who have already had a stroke, and those who suffer from sleep apnea, so be vigilant.

Supporting people after a stroke

Recognizing the signs of stroke

Recognizing the signs of stroke is very important for quick intervention. If the person is taken care of quickly, there is a greater chance of regaining lost skills.

Often it is the person himself or his relatives who must recognize the signs, since a stroke can happen at any time. We have already seen the signs of a stroke, but how to recognize them in practice and how to recognize them quickly?

The key word to remember is exactly this: FAST.

• Visage – Is it collapsed?
• Incapacity – Can you raise both arms normally?
• Torking disorder – Pronunciation disorder ?
• EExtreme emergency – Call 15.

This quick methodology was developed by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in 2014, you can find the link here.

What to do if you or someone with you has a stroke

The first thing to do is to call the emergency service or SAMU, 15, or the fire department, 18. Intervention within the first few hours after a stroke can increase the chances of rehabilitation.

If you are the one who had the stroke, don’t take the car, call an ambulance instead. If you think you can drive, the symptoms may become more severe.

There are also things not to do. Don’t lie down to rest, don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away, and don’t wait until you have severe pain before calling the doctor. Indeed, stroke can be painless.

Finally, even if it has been more than 4 hours, or if the symptoms have disappeared, go to the hospital to be checked.

What’s next?

After you have had a stroke, your doctor will give you medication and advise you to start a course of treatment with a health care professional. Often it is a speech therapist who takes care of people after a stroke.

During therapy, you can do exercises and activities to regain lost cognitive function. It is important to continue cognitive training also between sessions to keep the brain awake.

You can also use tablet applications that provide general cognitive stimulation. For example, you can test the Joe app, with more than 30 cognitive games. The games work on memory, attention, logic and language.

You can use this application with the speech therapist or at home between 2 rehabilitation sessions with the speech therapist.

Stroke rehabilitation

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Stroke Risk

Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of having a stroke. Here are some effective strategies:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help control weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
• Avoid Smoking: Quitting smoking can greatly reduce the risk of stroke and improve overall health.
• Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help maintain a healthy blood pressure.
• Regular Health Check-ups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help monitor and manage risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Understanding Different Types of Stroke

There are several types of strokes, each with distinct causes and treatment approaches. Understanding these can help in prevention and timely intervention:

• Ischemic Stroke: This is the most common type, occurring when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed. Causes include blood clots and atherosclerosis.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain. Common causes include high blood pressure and aneurysms.
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often referred to as a mini-stroke, a TIA is caused by a temporary decrease in blood supply to the brain. While symptoms are short-lived, a TIA is a significant warning sign for future strokes.

The Importance of Rehabilitation After Stroke

Rehabilitation is a crucial part of the recovery process after a stroke. It helps individuals regain lost skills and independence. Key components of stroke rehabilitation include:

• Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving mobility and strength through tailored exercises.
• Occupational Therapy: Aims to enhance daily living skills and promote independence in everyday activities.
• Speech and Language Therapy: Helps individuals recover their ability to communicate and swallow, essential for overall quality of life.
• Psychological Support: Addresses emotional and mental health challenges that may arise post-stroke, including depression and anxiety.

Innovative Technologies in Stroke Care

Recent advancements in technology have significantly improved stroke care and rehabilitation. Some noteworthy innovations include:

• Telemedicine: Allows healthcare providers to assess and treat stroke patients remotely, ensuring timely intervention.
• Wearable Devices: Monitor vital signs and detect abnormal heart rhythms, helping prevent strokes before they occur.
• Robotic Rehabilitation: Utilizes robotic devices to assist patients with movement exercises, enhancing recovery outcomes.
• Cognitive Training Apps: Applications like the JOE app provide cognitive exercises that can aid in recovery and maintain brain health post-stroke.