What Are the Signs?
Stroke is a sudden and serious condition that can change a person’s life in an instant. However, strokes don’t happen out of the blue — they often have early warning signs that, if detected, can provide critical time for treatment. Understanding the early symptoms is key to recognizing the danger.
One common stroke symptom is sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. If a person feels weakness in an arm or leg, especially on just one side, it’s often a warning sign of a stroke.
Another red flag is language difficulties. Many stroke patients experience problems speaking or understanding speech in the early stages. This can manifest as slurred speech or the inability to find the right words.
Vision problems, such as sudden blurred vision or loss of vision in one eye, are also serious warning signs of a stroke.
Severe headache or dizziness, especially with nausea or vomiting, can indicate a stroke. These symptoms are often much more intense than a typical headache.
Finally, balance problems or difficulty walking can also be early symptoms of a stroke. If a person suddenly struggles to walk straight or maintains an unsteady gait, they should seek immediate medical help.
Stroke First Aid: What to Do in an Emergency
Recognizing stroke signs quickly is essential, and knowing how to respond can save a life. If you or someone else shows any early stroke symptoms, take these immediate actions.
First, call emergency services right away. Whether the symptoms are mild or severe, don’t hesitate to get medical help. Early treatment is crucial and greatly improves recovery chances.
If the person has speech or limb weakness, keep them calm and lying down, avoiding any unnecessary movement.
For vision problems, help the person keep their eyes closed and avoid bright light.
While waiting for emergency personnel, monitor the person’s consciousness. If they lose consciousness, begin CPR immediately.
Do not give the person any medication unless instructed by a medical professional. Administering the wrong medications can worsen the condition.
Preventing stroke involves adopting healthy habits, like managing blood pressure, controlling blood sugar, not smoking, and exercising regularly.
Conclusion: Recognize the Signs, Act Fast
Although stroke signs may be subtle at first, recognizing them early gives the best chance for a positive outcome. Knowing how to respond quickly to early symptoms and having the correct first aid steps can make all the difference in saving a life.
Malaysia Emergency Respond Service Phone Number： 999
Related organisation: Malaysian Emergency Response Services 999 (MERS 999)