According to the National Stroke Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stroke is a leading cause of death in the United States. And that pretty much tells you that stroke is a severe condition.
Even though it is one of the most fatal conditions in the United States, there are a lot of us who are not aware of a stroke’s symptoms. Knowing what a stroke feels like can prevent further damage or even death by getting treatment as soon as possible.
Below we’ll cover what a stroke feels like.
What Does A Stroke Feel Like?
A stroke is when your brain is not getting the right amount of blood it needs.
This occurs when a clot or a burst artery prevents the blood from reaching the brain. Here are the signs and symptoms of a stroke:
- Numbness or weakness in different body parts, such as the face, arms, or legs. Usually, this happens on only one side. This will also affect your speech, balance, and coordination.
- Having difficulty understanding other people
- Having difficulty speaking
- Having trouble seeing with one or both eyes
- Having trouble walking
- Having trouble staying balanced or coordinated
- Feelings of dizziness
- Severe and sharp headaches for no reason
- Having trouble swallowing
- Drooping face
There is also a condition called the transient ischemic attack, also known as a TIA. This condition is also known as a mini-stroke.
What Is A Mini-Stroke?
The main difference between a stroke and a TIA is that TIA symptoms do not last long. Mini-stroke symptoms only last for 24 hours or a day most of the time.
That is because the clotted artery recovers quickly. A hemorrhage usually causes a TIA.
Symptoms of a mini-stroke are identical to that of a real one, such as:
- Being numb on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Severe headaches
- Trouble understanding others as well as speaking
- Loss of balance
FAST Test For Strokes
One way to determine a stroke is through a test doctors call FAST. FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.
In the Face test, you will smile. If one side of your face droops, then that is a sign of stroke.
In the Arms test, you will need to raise both arms. If one of your arms drops, then that is a sign.
During the Speech test, you will say a short speech. This test is to see if your speech is slurred or strange.
If you are unable to complete these tests, then it is Time to get yourself treated. Getting early treatment for strokes has the best outcomes.
Now, if you suspect that you or someone in your vicinity is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, do the FAST test to check for any symptoms.
Time is of the essence when someone is having a stroke, so act FAST.