Each year, nearly 150,000 people declare a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in France. Patients who must be taken care of as soon as possible, in an attempt to avoid excessive sequelae. This is why knowing how to detect the first symptoms of a stroke is essential. Six signs in particular should alert you, according to the observations of a London clinic.
What is a stroke?
And stroke, also called a “stroke,” occurs when a clogged blood vessel fails to supply blood to, or within, the brain. It is then a ischemic stroke, The most common. An accident that can also occur when a blood vessel ruptures, a CVA then qualified as hemorrhagicwhich concerns less than 15% of cases.
In case of ischemic stroke, also called cerebral infarction, the artery may be blocked by a blood clot; we are then talking aboutcerebral embolism. The blood vessel can also be clogged with cholesterol-rich plaque (atherosclerosis). It is then a cerebral thrombosis.
Some strokes resolve on their own, without causing sequelae: these are the transient ischemic attacks, which cause the same symptoms as a stroke, but only last a few seconds to a few minutes at most. It is therefore not uncommon for this type of transient stroke to be confused with a simple malaise. It is nevertheless necessary call for help (15)because the transient ischemic attack can be a harbinger of a much more serious stroke.
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What are the signs of a stroke?
Certain symptoms make it possible to detect the occurrence of a stroke. They must push you to act as quickly as possible, for rapid medical care, because depending on the area of the brain affected, more or less complete paralysis of one or more members can declare themselves. Memory problems, as well as speech difficulties can also occur. It should also be remembered that strokes are the third leading cause of death in France and the second leading cause of dementia.
Among the most common signs that may suggest the occurrence of a stroke: a deformed mouth, speech disorders (the person can no longer articulate a sentence or has difficulty understanding the other person), or weakness on one side of the body. The patient then finds it difficult to lift an arm or a leg and cannot keep it high. Warning signs, which may be accompanied by other disorders such as severe headache, decreased vision or loss of balance.
Symptoms are among those observed by a London clinic, in the days preceding the occurrence of a stroke. These are disorders suggesting the occurrence of a stroke of lesser magnitude. Thus, according to the Cardiac Screen clinic, 43% of patients suffered the week before the attack:
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- numbness or tingling in the limbs or face;
- mental confusion;
- muscle weakness in the leg or arm;
- visual field impairment.
The clinic wishes to recall the importance, even if these symptoms are brief and pass, to act as quickly as possible. Because the sooner a stroke is detected, the better the chances of recovery. ” Every minute that passes, it’s 2 million fewer neurons “, emphasizes to the site AlloDocteurs.fr Dr Mikaël Mazighi, neurologist.
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Can a stroke be cured?
After the occurrence of a stroke, it is therefore necessary to move very quickly. ” We have 4.5 hours to receive treatment ” unblocking the artery concerned, specifies this same specialist. The patient must therefore contact the Samu to check using an X-ray and an MRI if it is a haemorrhage or a clogged blood vessel.
It remains possible to recover from a stroke, if it is taken care of quickly, says Dr. Mazighi. ” There is always a spontaneous recovery, more or less important and more or less visible, whatever the type of stroke. Even without special acts, the patient’s condition usually improves “, assures in the columns of Brain & Psycho François Chollet, director of the neurology department at the University Hospital Center of Toulouse. However, in the event of a serious stroke and depending on the patient’s state of health, this recovery may therefore take longer. Hence the interest of know the signs of a potential stroketo intervene as quickly as possible.
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