CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU ARE AT PAGE 7!
STROKE!!
WHAT IS A STROKE? (CVA)
A stroke, or CVA (cerebrovsacular accident) occurs when a vein or artery in the brain becomes blocked, allowing no blood to carry oxygen to an area of the brain; either of these vessels can actually rupture or burst. A stroke has a sudden onset of symptoms and requires prompt medical attention. The EMS system has to be activated by calling 911 when symptoms begin to manifest themselves. But how do we know if a person is having a stroke? Below I will list the signs and symptoms of a stroke. I would also like to note that these symptoms may disappear after five minutes, or totally go away within 24 hours. If this occurs, it is not a stroke (CVA), rather it is a much smaller vessel problem, that still requires prompt medical attention. It is referred to as a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). Without treatment, it will manifest itself again as a full blown stroke. Remember, never second guess, call EMS!!
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STROKE
1. Rapid onset of numbness in the face, arm or leg (or all), Usually on one side of the body.
2. Partial or total loss of vision in an eye.
3. Slurred or total loss of speech.
4. Loss of consciousness.
5. Loss of bowel and or bladder control.
I want to add that strokes do not occur only with the elderly; STROKES CAN AND DO OCCUR AT ANY AGE!! So now that I have learned all the symptoms of heart attack and stroke and to call 911, what do I do until EMS arrives? Trust me, you will learn how to care for victims of heart attack and stroke in another lesson. Right now I simply want to stress the importance of early activation of the Emergency Medical Services. Heart attack and stroke victims have conditions that warrent Advanced Life Support via EMS so that life saving measures such as medications and defibrillation can be delivered at once!! At this point, every second counts...but it is up to YOU to call...