Stroke is neurological disease that affects the arteries leading to the brain. It is one of the top 5 causes of death and disability in the world.
Stroke most commonly occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or is interrupted, thereby depriving the brain of oxygen and necessary nutrients. A stroke has been categorized as a medical emergency.
Due to the death of some brain cells, depending on the magnitude of the stroke, some parts of the human body may seize to function. Early action to stroke can minimize brain damage and more complications.
Some times, people may not be aware that they just had stroke, The symptoms may be difficult to identify. That is why 3 top tips have been identified as easy ways to identify someone who may have had a stroke. its called ‘STR’. These tips were shared by a twitter user @BlvkBree after she told the story of how she lost a friend to an unidentified stroke.
S= Ask the individual to SMILE
T= TALK, ask the person to say a simple statement
R= Ask them to raise both hands.
Also ask the person to stick out their tong, if the tongue is crooked, this is also another sign of a possible stroke.
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If after these 3 steps, the person has trouble with executing these tasks, call the ambulance immediately or rush the person to the hospital, as the person may just have experienced a short stroke
Here are also possible symptoms to note as signs of a possible stroke.
- Trouble with speaking and understanding
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg
- Trouble with seeing in one or both eyes
- Headache
- Trouble with walking
We have also listed possible causes of stroke
- Overweight
- Physical inactivity
- Heavy drinking
- Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine