Stroke symptoms, or symptoms of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can appear ver suddenly. They can present very differently depending on the part of the brain that is affected. Some stroke symptoms that may be noticed are an intense and sudden headache, weakness on one side of the body, loss of sensitivity, drowsiness, changes in vision and mental confusion.

If you suspect you are having a stroke, call an ambulance immediately so that treatment can be initiated promptly and complications can be prevented.

Main symptoms

The most common stroke symptoms include:

Intense headache that appears suddenly
Weakness on one side of the body, which is noticeable in the arm or leg
Asymmetrical face, with a crooked mouth and drooping eyebrow on one side
Speech that is slurred, slow or with a very low and often imperceptible voice tone
Loss of sensitivity in a part of the body, not identifying cold or heat, for example
Difficulty remaining standing or sitting or walking, as the body falls to one side
Vision changes, such as partial vision loss or blurred vision
Difficulty lifting the arm or holding objects, as the arm hangs down
Unusual and uncontrolled movements, such as tremors
Drowsiness or even loss of consciousness
Loss of memory and confusion, not being able to carry out simple orders, (such as opening your eyes) and personality changes like becoming aggressive and not knowing your name
Nausea and vomiting.

Despite this, a stroke can also occur without causing any visible symptoms. They can be discovered in tests that are carried out for other diagnostic reasons. People who are most likely to have a stroke are those who have high blood pressure, are overweight or have diabetes. Therefore, it is important for these populations to have regular doctor visits to prevent a stroke.

What to do if you suspect a stroke

If you suspect you are having a stroke, call for help immediately. An ambulance should be called promptly and the victim should lie down on the floor on their side. If the victim stops breathing, perform CPR.

Consequences of a stroke

A stroke can cause many sequelae which may be temporary or very serious. The most common complication of a stroke is weakness, may prevent the patient from walking, dressing or eating independently.

Other consequences of a stroke include difficulty communicating or understanding orders, frequent choking, incontinence, loss of vision or even confused and aggressive behavior, which makes relationships with family and friends difficult.

It is very important to know that there are treatments that help reduce the consequences of a stroke. Physiotherapy sessions can help you regain movement. Speech therapy sessions help recover speech and improve communication. Occupational therapy sessions help to improve an individual’s quality of life and well-being.