First Intervention in Stroke: What Should Be Done at the Moment of Paralysis?

Stroke is the first among the diseases causing disability, and second among the ones resulting with death. Stroke is an urgent medical situation when an early intervention is quite important.

The risk of having stroke may be decreased by knowing the risk factors and taking the necessary precautions. The stroke risk factors are divided into two categories as changeable and unchangeable. While sex, age, race, family history, genetic and low birth weight are among unchangeable factors; situations like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, smoking and obesity are among the changeable risk factors. Frequency of stroke tends to increase also in younger persons because of the factors like irregular work life and rare rest, increasing pressure and anxiety feelings, and unhealthy diet.

What are the Symptoms of Stroke (Paralysis)?

Face: Is one part of the face sliding or numb? Ask the person to smile, it is a symptom of stroke if their smile is irregular, or they are unable to do it.

Arms: Ask the person to lift their both arms. Does one arm slide downwards? Weakness and loss of sensation in arm is a symptom of stroke.

Speech: Is the speech blurred? A sudden change in speech and speaking unintelligibly are symptoms of a stroke.

Time: If the person you know reveals these symptoms, call 112 immediately.

First Intervention in Stroke

Early intervention and first aid prevent more brain tissues from getting damaged and affect recovery outcomes. Time remains critically important for minimizing brain cell damage.

If the person reveals stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately while remaining as calm as possible.

Ensure the environment is safe with no hazards like moving vehicles nearby.

Control consciousness by speaking with the person and asking questions. If they cannot speak, ask them to squeeze your hand. Inability to respond indicates loss of consciousness.

Slowly position the person safely and comfortably, lying on their side with pillow support and head slightly elevated. Minimize movement afterward.

Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing.

Control airway openness.

Keep the person comfortable and inform them help is coming.

Do not provide food or drinks.

Monitor symptoms and note any changes in their condition.

Provide emergency personnel with detailed information about what occurred and when symptoms started, as stress makes time estimation difficult.