Tips For Spotting Stroke Symptoms

Advice for Getting Help Fast

Did you know your risk of experiencing a stroke is heightened during the holiday season? As stated by the American Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for both heart attacks and stroke, and many people experience higher blood pressure around the holidays with increased stress, as well as food and drink indulgences.

Strokes occur quickly and require immediate care by a medical professional. That’s why it’s important to notice the symptoms of a stroke, so you can seek help fast if you or a loved one begins showing signs. If you notice stroke symptoms, be sure to get to the nearest emergency room as quickly as possible. To inquire about screenings we offer at Carson Valley Health and other cardiology services that can help improve your heart health and decrease your risk of stroke.

Identifying Common Symptoms of Stroke As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some common warning signs and symptoms of stroke may include but are not limited to:

• A sudden feeling of weakness or numbness in the arm, leg, or face, especially if only on one side of the body
• A sudden feeling of confusion, such as difficulty understanding others as they speak
• Sudden issues with vision, either in one or both eyes
• Loss of coordination, such as a sudden inability to walk, severe dizziness, or a loss of balance that did not exist prior
• A sudden throbbing headache with no obvious other cause

If you or a loved one displays one or more of these symptoms, make sure to call 911 and get to the closest emergency room as quickly as possible. A medical professional will assess your condition and recommend treatments, as well as an extended plan of care. Common treatment methods following a stroke may include:

• Endovascular procedures
• Surgical treatments
• Tissue plasminogen activator
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy

Our rehabilitation services can help patients reclaim their life after suffering from a stroke. If interested in learning more about rehabilitative services, contact our Rehab and Outpatient Therapy Center at 775-782-1519.

Seek Care ASAP

Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment. That’s why it’s important to make sure medical care is sought as soon as symptoms begin. If you are ever questioning if a symptom could be indicative of a stroke, it is a good rule of thumb to go to the emergency room either way – it’s always better to be overly cautious.

If you ever have any questions regarding a symptom you or a loved one is experiencing, or if you are looking to inquire about post-stroke care, don’t hesitate to contact a member of our medical staff at 775.782.1500. We’re always here to answer your questions and provide you with answers by professionals in the field.