Stroke and TIA: Understanding Causes and First Aid Response

Stroke and TIA epidemiology and condition

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted either by a blocked artery or by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. A stroke may cause brain damage which impairs certain body functions, depending on the part of the brain affected.

TIA

A TIA is a temporary blockage of the blood flow to part of the brain. It’s typically of short duration and leaves no permanent damage but looks exactly like a stroke.

Doctors now have therapies to restore blood flow to the heart muscle and brain, but they work best if used right away. This is why it’s important to realize there’s an emergency and call 9-1-1 to get the casualty to the hospital right away—the longer medical help is delayed, the more likely the heart or the brain will be damaged.

Recognition

Use the FAST (Face—Arms— Speech—Time) (video) to assess the casualty.

• Facial droop. Ask them to smile. One side of the face may not move as well as the other side.

• Arm drift. Ask the casualty to hold both arms out with the palms up, and close their eyes. One arm may not move or drifts down compared to the other arm.

• Speech. Ask them to repeat a phrase you say. The casualty may slur words, use the incorrect words or is not able to speak.

• Time. When was the onset of symptoms? Ask the casualty, or their family, friends, or bystanders when the symptoms were first noticed. Get immediate medical help; the earlier a stroke is treated the better the outcome.

There may also be:

• Weakness or numbness along one side of entire body

• Sudden blurring or loss of vision

• Difficulty understanding the spoken word

• Sudden confusion Dizziness,

What to do

• Check causality's face-Keep the casualty comfortable. Ask him to smile. If he has had a stroke, he may only be able to smile on one side—the other side of his face may droop

• Check causality's arm-Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a heart attack. Call the casualty’s doctor as well, if he asks you to do so.

• Check causality's speech-Can he speak and/or can he understand what you are saying?

• Give causality medication- If the casualty is fully conscious, help him take one full dose aspirin tablet (325mg); advise him to chew it slowly. If the casualty has tablets or a spray for angina, allow him to take it himself. Help him if necessary.

• Monitor causalty-Encourage the casualty to rest. Keep any bystanders away. Monitor and record the casualty’s vital signs—level of response, breathing, and pulse—until emergency help arrives.

• Call the emergency for help- Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a stroke. Reassure the casualty and monitor and record his vital signs—level of response, breathing, and pulse—until help arrives.