August 19, 2011
It’s lunch time and one of your crew begins to slur his words and appears confused. What can it be?
Your crew member might be having a stroke. A stroke can cause paralysis, coma and death. It is the brain's version of a heart attack.
A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain (ischemic stroke) or an artery bursts and blood leaks into brain tissue (hemorrhagic stroke).
When either of these occurs, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs. Where the damage to the brain occurs and how much of the brain is damaged will determine which symptoms the person will display.
Typical symptoms that onset suddenly may include:
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble walking, dizziness
Severe headache
Women may experience different but also sudden symptoms such as face and limb pain, hiccups, nausea, weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T.:
F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A - Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S - Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. “Today is a sunny day.” Is their speech slurred or strange?
T - Time: If you observe any of these signs, note the time and get medical attention immediately. There is only about a three-hour window for clot-busting medication to be given at the hospital.
A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke". It produces stroke-like symptoms but generally has no lasting damage.
If you suspect a crew mate or guest of having a stroke, stay with the victim, place them in a position of comfort, and monitor their breathing and consciousness until help arrives.
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