Understanding a stroke and its symptoms
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. When that happens, brain cells can be deprived of oxygen, potentially causing permanent damage.
Learn more about types of stroke.
27,428 Australians had their first stroke in 2020, which is roughly one every 19 minutes. Yet despite how common they are, many people aren't familiar with stroke warning signs or how to know if you're having a stroke. When it comes to stroke, time is of the essence, so making sure you are equipped to recognise and respond rapidly is vital.
How to know if someone is having a stroke
While stroke presents differently from person to person, there are some common indicators represented by the stroke memory-prompt F.A.S.T.
Stroke Assessment: Act F.A.S.T.
Face – watch for facial drooping on one side or an inability to smile.
Arms – check for numbness on one side or problems lifting one or both arms.
Speech – listen for slurring, problems forming or understanding words, or a general sense of confusion.
Time – act fast to minimise damage.
Other common signs and symptoms of a stroke
While the F.A.S.T. stroke assessment represents the most typical signs and symptoms of stroke, it's also worth keeping an eye out for other potential indicators, including:
- A sudden and unusually painful headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision or loss of sight
- Complete paralysis along one side of the body
- Balance and coordination issues
- Dizziness
- An inability to swallow.
If you're concerned that you, or someone else, is having a stroke, call 000 immediately.
Learn more about how to help someone with a stroke.
Silent stroke symptoms
Silent stroke is, as the name suggests, harder to identify. In fact, it rarely reveals itself without an MRI or CT scan, where white spots or lesions will show the areas where brain cells have stopped working.
Silent stroke gets its name because it damages parts of the brain that don't control visible functions, like movement or speech. This makes it difficult to tell that a stroke has even occurred. Silent stroke symptoms can be very subtle and easy to miss. It is very easy not to recognise the signs of a silent stroke. In fact, you may not be able to recognise them at all until a brain scan has undergone, revealing any damage.
The 5 signs of silent stroke, which are often mistaken for general signs of ageing, are:
- Poor balance
- Frequent falls
- Problems with bladder control
- Mood changes
- Cognitive challenges.
What are some mini stroke symptoms?
Fleeting symptoms of stroke may indicate a mini stroke – also called a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) – which can last from a few minutes up to a period of several hours. Though they are transient, they should never be ignored. As discussed in our previous article on mini strokes, symptoms come on suddenly and depend on which part of the brain is affected.
- Weakness or paralysis
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Double vision
- Not being able to see to the left or right.
- Using the wrong words
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Loss of balance
As you may have noticed, mini stroke symptoms are common with other kinds of stroke. The key difference is the transient nature of these symptoms, which may signal a TIA.
The risk of stroke is highest in the first few hours and days after a TIA. Mini strokes are often neglected because of how rapidly symptoms improve and even disappear. By seeking urgent medical assessment, the person may be able to minimise the likelihood of a further, more damaging episode.
Learn more about how to prevent stroke.
How do you test for stroke symptoms?
A quick test to identify a stroke is to ask the person to smile, raise both arms or say a simple sentence. If any of these pose a problem, call 000 immediately.
On arrival at the hospital, a physical examination and tests – potentially including a CT scan, MRI scan, blood tests, ECG, angiogram and/or ultrasound – will be used to check whether a stroke has occurred, what kind of stroke it is, and what treatment options are possible.
Considerations when checking for stroke symptoms
- Ensure the person is lying down on their side with their head slightly elevated.
- Avoid giving them food, drink, or medication in case they have difficulty swallowing.
- Keep them calm – stress or panic can worsen symptoms.
- Note any other changes in their conditions such as loss of consciousness.
Always call 000 immediately.
Getting support after stroke
If someone you know has experienced a stroke, they may need additional support at home. Mable can connect you with independent support workers who can provide different support services, such as personal care, social support and domestic assistance, nursing care, support with being physically active and exercising, and much more, to help you live independently at home.
Learn more about funding eligibility for stroke support.
The information provided in this article is general information only. In the event that you or someone else you know has a stroke, Mable encourages you to seek your own independent medical advice about strokes.