By Eric San Juan
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, and seniors are at higher risk of experiencing one. As a senior, it is essential to know the signs of a stroke and take action as soon as possible.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Strokes happen when a blood clot or broken vessel prevents blood from getting to your brain. They can be fatal and need immediate treatment.”
As a result of a stroke, brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and begin to die. It can cause severe physical and mental damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Also, stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults. Seniors, especially those over 65 years of age, are at higher risk for stroke as they age. The risk increases with age, and seniors need to be aware of the symptoms.
Some of the risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and smoking. It is essential to know your family’s medical history and your existing health conditions concerning these risk factors. Some stroke risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed but can be managed. It is essential to have regular check-ups with your medical provider to monitor and discuss any changes in your health status.
The signs of stroke vary depending on the type of stroke and the area of the brain affected. The most common signs of a stroke are sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes or loss, sudden dizziness or loss of balance, and severe headache. It’s important to know that not all strokes make you lose consciousness, and some of the symptoms are subtle.
Johns Hopkins University cautions that time is of the essence when someone is having a stroke. “Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Treatment is most effective when started right away,”
they advise.
The American Stroke Association pushes the F.A.S.T. method of recognizing a stroke:
F Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred?
T Time to call 911
Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.
Every minute counts. The faster treatment is provided, the better the chance of recovery.
The first step should be to call 911 or your local emergency services. While waiting for medical assistance, it’s important to keep the person calm and lying down. Avoid giving them anything to eat or drink, and take note of the symptoms and their duration.
By being aware of these vital pieces of information, seniors and their loved ones can take the necessary steps to minimize their risk of stroke and protect their health.