What You Should Know About Undergoing a Stroke

In a nutshell, a stroke happens when blood supply to one portion of the brain is reduced or interrupted, preventing the brain from receiving enough nutrients and oxygen. When this occurs, your brain cells will start to die and continue to perish until you obtain proper treatment. This is why a stroke is an urgent medical emergency.

Fortunately, effective treatment and prevention could also help prevent the risk of complications, including permanent disability and brain damage. Here at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, we offer a stroke prevention program to help people reduce their risk of developing a stroke.

Stroke Symptoms You Should Know About

  • A severe and sudden headache that might be accompanied by altered consciousness, dizziness, or vomiting.
  • Difficulty talking and understanding what other people are telling you. You may likewise feel very confused and have slurred speech.
  • You might suddenly have blackened, double, or blurred vision in one or both eyes.
  • Difficulty walking and loss of balance.
  • Numbness or paralysis of the face and/or limbs. This usually happens on just one side of the body. If you suspect these symptoms, try raising both arms at the same time over your head. If one of your arms starts falling, you could be experiencing a stroke. Additionally, you may find a part of your mouth drooping when trying to smile.

Obtaining Urgent Medical Help is Immensely Crucial

Get urgent medical help right away if you experience the stroke symptoms mentioned above, even if they disappear completely or come and go. According to the American Stroke Association, you should think “FAST” and then try to do these vital things:

  • FACE: See if you can smile and if one side of your face droops.
  • ARMS: Check if you can raise your arms. Is one arm going down or are you unable to raise one arm?
  • SPEECH: Can you speak clearly or are your words slurred? Can you speak at all?
  • TIME: The moment you feel the symptoms of a stroke, dial 911 and get emergency medical attention ASAP. Pay special attention to when you started feeling symptoms because certain stroke treatments are most effective if administered soon after the beginnings of stroke.

Remember, the longer that a stroke is left untreated, the higher the risk of permanently developing a disability or brain damage. Also, if you are with a person who you think is experiencing a stroke, call medical help immediately and try to keep the person comfortable and calm while waiting for help to arrive.

For more questions about stroke and our stroke prevention program, reach out to us here at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, by dialing (540) 667-1828. We are also excited to offer Telehealth visits via your computer or smartphone. Call our office to schedule your virtual appointment.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed