How to recognize signs of a stroke

What is a Stroke? There are signs to look out for in the event of a stroke. What you need to do in this event, and how a new emergency app called RespondR may save your life in case of a stroke.

According to the American Stroke Association, a stroke occurs when a blocked blood vessel carrying oxygen to the brain cuts blood flow. This cut-off blood flow can block brain cells from getting nutrients and oxygen, leading to injury or death. A stroke can happen when an artery in your neck is blocked by fatty deposits (plaque) or becomes narrow due to damage caused by the hardening of the arteries.

The best stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:

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. Is the speech slurred or strange?

T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.

Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.

Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 9-1-1 using the RespondR app for an ambulance so medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Top signs of someone having a stroke

A stroke is a severe medical emergency when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage and even be fatal. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs of a stroke and get medical help immediately if you think someone is having one.

The most common sign of a stroke is sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 using the RespondR app immediately and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.

While strokes can happen to anyone at any age, some risk factors make them more likely. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, and family history. If you have any risk factors, you must talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. In fact, you can have a stroke and not know that you have it until the next day. As a matter of fact, about one out of every five people with a minor stroke doesn’t even realize that they had it. This is called a “silent” or “mini” stroke, and for most people, it isn’t harmful, but there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of having a full-blown stroke in the future.

How RespondR can help you during the early stages of a stroke

If you think someone is having a stroke, it’s essential to act quickly as every minute counts when it comes to stroke care.

RespondR is a new app built in partnership with public safety that gives users instant access to 911 emergency services. In an emergency, RespondR can dispatch first responders in under 30 seconds to a user’s exact G.P.S. location. Additionally, RespondR will forward digital medical data in real-time so first responders can arrive uniquely equipped to save the user’s life.

The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

The RespondR app can help you during the early stages of a stroke if you cannot speak to relay information to first responders. In addition, RespondR has a non-emergency check-in button to alert contacts with your exact G.P.S. location in case of an issue.

If you know a friend or family member that can benefit, don’t wait. Download RespondR today.