Across the globe, one in four adults over age 25 will have a stroke within their lifetime. 

Strokes happen when the supply of blood to the brain is interrupted. This happens due to either a ruptured blood vessel leading to brain bleeding — a hemorrhagic stroke — or when a blood clot leads to blockage in a blood vessel — an ischemic stroke. Stroke risk increases with age, but anyone can have a stroke. 

Strokes cause damage to the brain, so knowing the warning signs to look out for can save lives. Be aware that stroke symptoms come on very suddenly. These are the warning signs of a stroke to look out for. 

NUMBNESS 

If one side of someone’s face is drooping, ask them to smile and see if their smile is uneven. You can also see if one arm drifts downward when they try to raise their arms. Sudden numbness, weakness or droopiness in the face or one arm or leg is a warning sign of a stroke.

SEVERE HEADACHE 

If someone says they have an extreme headache out of nowhere, they could be moments away from having a stroke. This kind of intense headache is commonly followed by fainting.

CHANGES IN VISION

Sudden loss of vision or dim vision, especially in just one eye, is something else to look out for. This change in vision may get worse over time, so act fast. 

LOSS OF BALANCE AND FAINTING 

Dizziness, fainting briefly and sudden loss of balance are also signs of a stroke. Vomiting, nausea, hiccups and trouble swallowing may accompany this warning sign.

SLURRED SPEECH OR DIFFICULTY MAKING SENSE

Confusion can be a warning sign of a stroke, as well as slurred speech or difficulty making sense. Someone who is having a stroke may not understand what you’re saying and could be unable to respond in a way that makes sense. 

WHAT TO DO NEXT 

If any of these signs appear, call 911 immediately. The longer a stroke continues, the more brain cells die. Right away, tell the operator that you or a loved one may be having a stroke. Someone doesn’t have to display all of these warning signs to be having a stroke. 

After making the call, take note of when you first started observing any warning signs. This is helpful to emergency responders. 

Do your best to keep the person who may be having a stroke awake. Don’t give them medication, food or drinks, either. A stroke may impact their ability to swallow and medication may cause them more harm since medications like aspirin are blood thinners. Though it will be difficult, just wait until an ambulance arrives. Once inside the ambulance, treatment can start immediately. 

GET SUPPORT

At Milton Adult Day Services, we provide a structured setting to adults during the day and our staff is trained on how to spot health risks like warning signs of a stroke. Having your loved one attend our state-of-the-art-facility gives them opportunities to socialize and safely do the things they love while you get a break. 

Think your loved one could benefit? Just make an appointment for a free assessment where we’ll determine your loved one’s level of functioning as well as individual and family needs.

To learn more about Milton Adult Day Services and how it can benefit you and your loved one, please contact us by calling 574-232-2666.