A suspected stroke is a brain attack which occurs when brain cells become starved oxygen due to an interruption in blood supplying the brain.
There are two main types of Suspected stroke:
- Ischemic stroke: an artery in the brain becomes blocked
- Hemorrhagic stroke: a ruptured blood vessel causes bleeding into the brain (intracranial hemorrhage).
Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke. The only way to tell the difference between the two types of stroke is by performing a brain scan (CAT scan) in hospital.
When a stroke occurs, brain cells die in the immediate area because they are no longer receiving the oxygen and nutrients needed to function.
Suspected Stroke is most common in the elderly, but people of any age and any level of physical fitness can suffer a stroke.
Stoke vs TIA
Stroke – permanent damage to the brain tissue through oxygen starvation (blocked vessel) or pressure (bleeding). There is permanent damage to the brain, resulting in physical and/ or sensory impairment.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is when the signs of stroke are present but goes away within 24 hours. The term TIA is used sometimes referred to as a ‘mini-stroke’, which is a temporary condition usually caused by a transient blockage of the brain’s blood vessels.
TIA’s should be regarded as a warning sign that the person is at risk of a stroke and should be investigated promptly.
A suspected TIA should never be ignored.
Stroke Signs and Symptoms
The FAST test
- Facial weakness. Can the person smile? Is there any facial droop?
- Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
- Speech problems. Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call for emergency medical help
Other Symptoms of Suspected Stroke
There are many other signs and symptoms of a stroke. The exact signs and symptoms will depend on the area of brain affected by the stroke.
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden nausea and/or vomiting
- Lost or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Unequal pupils
- Paralysis, numbness, weakness or loss of coordination of limbs, usually on one side of the body
- Dizziness, loss of balance
- Difficulty swallowing
- Urinary incontinence
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Unconscious – ‘snoring’ respirations
- Seizures
First Aid steps for Suspected Stroke
A stroke, also known as a brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Immediate first aid is crucial to minimize brain damage and improve recovery outcomes. Here’s what to do:
1. Recognize the Signs Using FAST
The FAST acronym helps identify stroke symptoms quickly:
- Face: Is one side of the face drooping? Ask the person to smile.
- Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one drift downward?
- Speech: Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?
- Time: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
- Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
- Vision problems (blurry or loss of vision)
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Loss of balance or dizziness2
2. Call Emergency Services Immediately
- Dial your local emergency number without delay.
- Note the time when symptoms first appeared—this helps doctors determine treatment options.
3. Keep the Person Safe
- Help them lie down with their head slightly elevated.
- Turn them onto their side if they are unconscious, to prevent choking.
- Loosen tight clothing to aid breathing.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication—they may have difficulty swallowing.
4. Monitor Breathing and Response
- If the person is not breathing, begin CPR if trained.
- If they are breathing but unresponsive, stay with them and reassure them until help arrives.
5. Stay Calm and Provide Comfort
- Speak calmly and reassuringly.
- Keep the environment quiet and stress-free.
Why Immediate Action Matters
- Stroke treatment is time-sensitive—clot-busting drugs are most effective within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
- Quick response can reduce disability and improve recovery.
Rehabilitation
The goals of rehabilitation depend on your symptoms, but typically include:
- strengthen motor skills
- improve mobility
- limit the use of the unaffected limb to encourage mobility in the affected limb
- use range-of-motion therapy to ease muscle tension
You may also have additional therapies, depending on your symptoms. This may involve speech and language therapy.
Prevention
You can lower your risk of having a second stroke by taking these steps:
- Get information on what caused your stroke. Talk with your healthcare professional about how to prevent a stroke from happening again.
- Take medicines recommended by your healthcare team.
- Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Stay active and exercise.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking if you smoke.
- Talk with your healthcare team about your treatment plan.
- Join programs to help you reach lifestyle goals or for education or counseling.
REFERENCES
- Annette McDermott, First Aid for Stroke, Updated on April 12, 2024, https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/stroke-first-aid
- Powers WJ, et al. (2018). 2018 guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STR.0000000000000158. - Walls RM, et al., eds. Stroke In: Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com.
- Signs and symptoms. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/stroke/signs-and-symptoms.
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