Strokes are an emergency that need immediate medical attention. They are caused by blood supply to the brain being cut off, usually due to a clot. Therefore, spotting the signs as soon as possible could help save someone’s life.
Signs of a stroke
One of the “first” signs of a stroke can be an inability to smile.
She said: “Current research indicates that the first sign of a stroke is when the face drops on one side or the person may not be able to smile.
“Secondly, the person may not be able to lift one or both arms and keep them up.
“Thirdly, the person may start developing difficulties when speaking which can cause them to slur their words and also might not be able to understand what you are saying to them.
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“Rehabilitation depends on how the person has been affected by the stroke, the type and quality of rehab given and the person who has suffered the stroke.
“It usually includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological input and specialist nurses and doctors.”
Certain conditions can raise your risk of a stroke, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Irregular heart beats (atrial fibrillation)
- Diabetes.
Therefore, the NHS recommends eating well, exercising regularly, sticking to alcohol guidelines and quitting smoking to lower the risk.
