Recognize stroke symptoms and save lives

Stroke: recognize symptoms and save lives

05/11/2014

In Germany, around 270,000 people suffer a stroke each year. In many cases, the lack of knowledge about the symptoms of cerebral infarction and their importance prevents necessary and timely medical treatment of those affected. For a quick, vital aid, it is important to recognize the symptoms.

Various risk factors
Every year around 270,000 people in Germany suffer a stroke. Every nine minutes, a human being dies of a so-called cerebral infarction. He is thus the third leading cause of death in the country. The Chairman of the Foundation German Stroke Assistance, Dr. med. Michael Brinkmeier stated in an earlier communication that the risk factors for stroke are manifold: „In addition to age and familial risk, there are some factors that can be influenced. For example, obesity, smoking and the main risk factor: hypertension. But only those who know their risk, can also specifically prevent.“

Important symptoms that may indicate stroke
Only very few people still know about the symptoms or the necessary behavior after a stroke. On the day against the stroke Bild-Zeitung has summarized the most important classic symptoms that may indicate a stroke with expert advice from Professor Darius Günther Nabavi (Chairman of the Stroke Unit Commission, chief physician Vivantes Klinikum Berlin-Neukölln). For example, a sudden loss of power or a sudden loss of sensation associated with paralysis (both usually half-sided) may be an indication of a stroke. Or a sudden speech failure, in which the affected person can no longer or only hesitantly talk. Some sufferers with speech loss seem confused at first. In addition, it can lead to a sudden visual disturbance, as a rule, the field of vision is severely limited and affected people can no longer perceive people or objects on one side. However, it can also be a double vision. An indication could also be a sudden swindle, which is associated with a gear uncertainty. Caution is advised if the dizziness is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, because then also could be a disease of the inner ear. In rare cases, a so-called thunderbolt headache may occur, but usually strokes were painless.

FAST test for detecting a stroke
It should be noted that these symptoms may not all occur simultaneously and it may be that only one symptom is noticeable. In addition, it is important to know that one out of every four people has harbingers of a major stroke, such as a symptom that occurs only briefly and then disappears. Before a major stroke occurs, these patients must go to a clinic immediately. To safely detect a stroke, a so-called FAST test should be carried out, which also belongs to the training of rescue personnel. FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. One method is to make the affected person smile. If this only works on one side, it indicates hemiplegia. You should also ask the person to stretch their arms forward, turning their palms upwards and holding this position for ten seconds. In a paralysis, both arms can not be lifted, they quickly sink or turn inwards. Another possibility is to let the person concerned repeat a simple sentence. If he is unable to, the voice sounds washed out or words and syllables are swallowed, then there is a speech disorder. The last point of the test is time-related and means to call for help immediately on the emergency number 112, if one of the three short tests is suspicious. The FAST test can also be performed with an app (for IOS and Android) that offers the German Stroke Help for free.

Quick help can save lives
The call should describe the failures and provide information on when they occurred. The 112 works in all parts of the EU. As a general rule, help is needed as soon as possible, because above all the first few hours can decide about life or death or lasting disability. Patients should sit down or lie to the side until the arrival of the emergency physician. Since they may choke because of dysphagia, it is important that patients do not get anything to drink or eat. If known, the rescuer should also be given a list of medications the patient is taking. How important more education on the subject is still shows an investigation. „According to an EU study, we Germans are not so weak at symptom knowledge, but already in action“, Mario Leisle from the Foundation for German Stroke Help according to the SWR. „Only one third would choose 112 if there is a stroke symptom.“ (Ad)