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Stroke: symptoms and first aid
If you experience the following symptoms:
- SUDDEN numbness and weakness of the face, hands or feet, usually on one side of the body (right / left),
- SUDDEN blurred consciousness, loss of speech or perception,
- SUDDEN loss of vision in one or both eyes,
- SUDDEN problems with gait, coordination, resilience or dizziness,
- SUDDEN severe headache for no apparent reason,
Immediately call an ambulance!
If you notice these symptoms in another person::
- Ask them to smile: is one side of the face relaxed?
- Ask them to raise both hands: are hands on different levels?
- Ask them to repeat the simple phrase after yourself: is the speech distorted?
If at least one is true, immediately call an ambulance!
How can you help?
- Immediately call an ambulance.
- Try to calm the affected person.
- Lay the person down, slightly lifting his/her shoulders and head (if there is no cushion nearby, lay some clothes or something similar under the head).
- Ensure that the person is breathing freely: open the window, unbutton clothes (collar, belt, etc.).
- If the person has vomited / is vomiting - turn the person to the left side and clean, if necessary, the oral cavity from the vomit.
- If a person stops breathing and you can not feel his/her pulse, conduct an indirect heart massage and artificial respiration.
What should not be done?
- Do not give him/her a drink or food!
- Do not allow the person to move!
- Do not try your own treatment!
Remarks
Symptoms of stroke may be very mild in some cases. Mild symptoms do not mean that there is less danger. They are also an indicators to conduct further tests to determine three signs of a stroke (described above). Example: sudden, mood change without a reason/after a fall can also be a consequence of a stroke.
Speedy medical care can minimize the consequences of a stroke. Treatment, conducted within 3 hours after the first symptoms, can eliminate many complications.
Also see other articles on this topic:
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