Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
The signs and symptoms of stroke can vary from person to person and also depends on the region of the brain that is being deprived of blood due to the blocked vessel.1
Symptoms may include:1
- Dizziness
- A sudden and severe headache unlike any experienced before
- Blacking out
- Sudden loss of vision
- Difficulty in understanding what others are saying
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Difficulty swallowing
- Numbness or weakness that can cause complete paralysis
Signs and symptoms of stroke1
FAST is an acronym used as a mnemonic to help detect and enhance responsiveness to stroke. The acronym stands for Facial drooping (a section of the face, usually only on one side, that is drooping and hard to move), Arm weakness or numbness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services.1
The FAST acronym to identify stroke symptoms1
What risk factors increase the risk of stroke?2
The factors that increase the likelihood of ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Stress
Other non-lifestyle modifiable related factors that may have an effect on stroke include your age, family history, ethnicity and your medical history.
References
- NHS choices. Stroke. Symptoms [Internet] [Cited on 2020 Oct 22]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Symptoms.aspx NHS choices. Stroke. Symptoms [Internet] [Cited on 2020 Oct 22]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Symptoms.aspx Return to content
- NHS choices. Stroke. Causes [Internet] [Cited on 2020 Oct 22]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Whosatriskpage.aspx NHS choices. Stroke. Causes [Internet] [Cited on 2020 Oct 22]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Stroke/Pages/Whosatriskpage.aspx Return to content
