What to Do (and Not Do) When Someone Is Having a Stroke

( NewsNation ) — When it comes to strokes , every second matters. Fast action can save lives and improve recovery.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute “A stroke may happen when the blood supply to the brain gets obstructed or when there is abrupt bleeding within the brain.”

If you think someone might be experiencing a stroke, here’s what actions to take and which ones to avoid:

1. Call 911 immediately

When the initial indications of a stroke appear, immediately dial 911 and inform the operator that you believe someone might be having a stroke. Should you have doubts about the symptoms, utilize the FAST test :

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call 911

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2. Note the time symptoms begin

Such treatments like thrombolytic medications should be administered within 24 hours, with earlier delivery being preferable.

Once you dial 911, keep close watch on the time when symptoms began.

If the individual who was impacted was discovered without companions, Kelley A. Humbert, MD , an assistant professor of Clinical Neurology at Penn Medicine, suggests identifying when they were observed behaving typically for the last time.

3. Perform CPR if needed

Many people who have had a stroke do not require cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, if the individual is unresponsive and not breathing, begin performing CPR right away following your call to 911.

The dispatcher may provide instructions for performing chest compressions if necessary.

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4. Do not allow them to snooze it away

Stroke symptoms can cause drowsiness, but do not let them rest or wait to see a doctor later. They need emergency care immediately.

Humbert urges you not to allow the patient to talk you out of taking them to the hospital.

5. Don’t give food, drink or medication

Avoid offering anything by mouth.

Painkillers like aspirin might cause further harm. Swallowing difficulties can be caused by strokes, and in cases of hemorrhagic stroke, anticoagulants can exacerbate the bleeding.

Furthermore, avoid giving them anything to eat or drink until the ambulance gets there.

6. Avoid driving to the hospital.

Always call 911.

First responders can initiate treatment during transit to the medical facility and make sure the individual reaches a stroke-capable hospital.

Operating a vehicle personally or transporting another individual might postpone essential medical attention.

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Types of strokes

There are two kinds of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

An ischemic stroke happens when the flow of blood to the brain is obstructed or decreased, which stops the necessary supply of oxygen, as stated by the Mayo Clinic .

A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel within the brain bursts, leading to bleeding inside the brain.

Typically, stroke symptoms include:

• Tingling or loss of strength in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on just one side of the body.
• Disorientation, struggling with verbal communication, or finding it hard to grasp what others say.
• Difficulty with vision in one or both eyes.
• Trouble with mobility, feeling lightheaded, unstable balance, or inadequate coordination.

Physicians can identify a quiet stroke via a brain imaging test and minor signs such as memory lapses or trouble with movement.

Factors that contribute to raising the risk of stroke encompass hypertension, cardiac ailments, diabetes mellitus, and arrhythmias.

NewsNation’s Ashley N. Soriano contributed to this report.

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