Of course, no one wants to have a stroke, so it seems odd to suggest you should “prepare” for one. But if you have multiple risk factors or you have had a stroke before, including a TIA (also known as a “mini-stroke”), you need to take precautions in order to get medical attention as soon as possible, in the event of a stroke.
Signs of a stroke
Your first and most important step is to know the signs of stroke. If you experience any of these symptoms or anything that seem strange, sudden, or out-of-the-ordinary, do not hesitate to call for medical help. An easy acronym to remember is BE FAST.
- B – Balance difficulties: Feel dizzy? Can’t walk straight? Unsure on your feet?
- E – Eyesight changes: Blurry or double vision? Sudden blindness in one eye? Severe headache?
- F – Facial droop: Can’t smile on one side or open your eyelid? Feel numb?
- A – Arm weakness: Feel weak, dropping things, especially on one side of the body? Can’t raise both arms?
- S – Speech difficulties: Slurred, confused speech? People can’t understand you? Forget what you were doing? Forget what common items are for, such as keys or the refrigerator?
- T – Time to call 911: Don’t hesitate to get help. Something is wrong, even if it’s not a stroke, and the sooner you get help the better your outcome.
Early alert system
If you’re experiencing a stroke, you will probably find it very difficult to call on the phone or to speak, so make it as easy for yourself as possible. Have a speed-dial button on your house phone or have 911 saved on a cell phone so that you can just hit the button and get immediate help. Even if you are slurring, it is likely that the dispatcher will understand that you are in distress and will send help.
But if you’re cognitively impaired or you have fallen, a button on your phone may not help you. Wearing a stroke detection monitor should. Neuralert’s innovative stroke detection monitor combines a unique, non-invasive wristband technology with a state-of-the-art patented algorithm, which detects asymmetry in arm movement, one of the initial indications of stroke onset. Our monitors send an immediate alert to the medical personnel of your choice, allowing them to quickly begin potentially life-saving treatments.
Lower your stroke risk
Of course, one should take every precaution by also lowering stroke risk factors as much as possible. Cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving blood sugar levels, exercising, and eating a healthy diet are all important steps to prepare for a stroke.
They are, in fact, the most important steps, because they reduce your risk of ever having one.
