A stroke, stroke or cerebral infarction is a set of neurological symptoms that appear suddenly and last for more than 24 hours. Strokes are divided into ischaemic strokes, i.e. strokes that occur as a result of a partial or complete stoppage of the blood supply to an area of the brain. A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a stroke of blood outside a cerebral vessel.
Symptoms and course stroke
Symptoms that may suggest a stroke include a sudden, very severe headache and accompanying dizziness, muscle weakness, abnormal or complete lack of sensation, nausea, vomiting, salivation, visual disturbances, problems with speaking, understanding words loss of consciousness and problems with swallowing. The above symptoms should never be underestimated.
When to go to the doctor and treat stroke
If you notice these and other symptoms, follow the steps outlined below:
- Never underestimate worrying symptoms, wait for them to subside on their own
- Do not administer any pharmacological agents (e.g. blood pressure reducing agents, analgesics, diastolic agents, etc.).
- Immediately transport the patient to a specialised stroke unit or call an ambulance.
- Maintain contact with the patient until the ambulance arrives, and place the patient in a secure position in case of unconsciousness
- After transport to hospital, accurate diagnosis of stroke and laboratory diagnosis (CT, Doppler examination of extracranial and intracranial arteries) is essential
- Biochemical diagnosis is necessary
- Hospitalisation of patient
- Initiation of pharmacological therapy under the guidance of a medical specialist
Undertake rehabilitation as soon as possible under the guidance of a doctor and qualified personnel