Jordan Ellis
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood flow, leading to permanent brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Immediate treatment is crucial to increase the chances of survival and reduce the severity of the stroke. However, studies have shown that 22% of strokes were initially misdiagnosed in academic and community hospitals, highlighting a critical issue in stroke care. To prevent missed strokes in hospitals, it is essential to focus on accurate and timely diagnosis, recognizing atypical symptoms, and ensuring prompt treatment with appropriate interventions. This includes raising awareness of stroke symptoms among healthcare professionals and the public, implementing effective identification systems and tools in emergency departments, and providing ongoing training and education to improve stroke recognition and management.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recognising symptoms | Balance, vision loss, drooping face, sagging arm, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg |
| Time taken to get to hospital | Time is critical; the sooner someone is diagnosed and treated, the more likely they are to survive a stroke |
| Ambulance | Stroke patients who are taken to the hospital in an ambulance may get diagnosed and treated more quickly than people who do not arrive in an ambulance |
| Tests | CT scan, neurological exam, blood tests |
| Treatment | Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), antithrombotics, antiplatelet, anticoagulant drugs, blood thinners, surgery, vascular procedures, rehabilitation |
| Prevention | Control high blood pressure, do not smoke, control cholesterol, medication, surgery, lifestyle changes |
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What You'll Learn
Recognise the symptoms of a stroke and act quickly
Recognising the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial to prevent permanent damage or reduce its severity. Strokes occur when something blocks the blood supply to the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, resulting in brain damage or death.
To recognise the signs of a stroke, remember the acronym BE FAST:
- Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Look out for sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes.
- Face: Smile and observe if there is a droop on one or both sides of the face.
- Arms: Raise both arms; if someone is having a stroke, one arm will sag or drop.
- Speech: The person may slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
- Time: Time is critical; call for emergency medical services immediately. Track when the symptoms started using a watch, phone, or clock.
Other symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. The person may also experience sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, double vision, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling an ambulance. Do not drive yourself or let someone else drive you to the hospital. The key to effective stroke treatment and recovery is getting to the hospital quickly so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
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Call 911 or emergency services immediately
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, it is imperative to call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Strokes are medical emergencies that require prompt attention and treatment. They occur when the brain's blood supply is blocked or disrupted, resulting in brain damage or death. Calling for emergency assistance ensures that medical professionals can initiate life-saving treatment promptly.
When calling 911, provide as much information as possible about the symptoms being experienced. It is essential to act quickly, as time is critical in treating strokes. The sooner a person with a stroke receives a diagnosis and treatment, the higher their chances of survival and recovery. Remember the acronym BE FAST to help identify stroke symptoms:
- Balance: Watch for a sudden loss of balance.
- Eyes: Look for sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes.
- Face: Observe for a droop on one or both sides of the face.
- Arms: Check if one arm sags or drops differently from the other.
- Speech: Listen for slurred speech or difficulty finding the right words.
- Time: Act immediately and note the time symptoms started.
Additionally, be aware of other danger signs, such as double vision, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, don't delay—call 911 right away. Do not drive yourself or the person experiencing these symptoms to the hospital. Let the emergency medical services provide the necessary care and transportation to the hospital.
Remember, stroke treatment begins as soon as emergency medical services arrive. They will provide initial care and transport the patient to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The sooner you call for help, the sooner treatment can begin, increasing the chances of a positive outcome.
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Get to the hospital quickly and don't delay
Getting to the hospital quickly is crucial for preventing missed strokes and ensuring effective treatment. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the brain does not receive sufficient blood flow, typically due to a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. Time is of the essence when it comes to treating strokes, as prompt treatment significantly increases the chances of survival and recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing stroke symptoms, do not delay. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not drive yourself or the affected person to the hospital, as this can delay treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel can begin providing life-saving treatment while en route to the hospital, improving the chances of a positive outcome.
The sooner an individual receives a diagnosis and treatment, the better. In the case of ischemic strokes, which account for most strokes, treatment with thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) within three hours of the first symptoms improves recovery rates and reduces the likelihood of long-term disability. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic medication that can enhance the chances of a full recovery. However, this treatment is time-sensitive, and early diagnosis is crucial for its effectiveness.
Additionally, getting to the hospital quickly allows doctors to perform a CT scan to evaluate the brain and determine the most appropriate treatment. For hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, surgery or other procedures may be necessary to stop the bleeding and relieve pressure on the brain. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical in preventing permanent brain damage and improving the chances of recovery.
Remember, stroke symptoms can include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, double vision, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting. It is essential to act quickly and seek medical attention if you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these signs. Do not wait, as every second counts when it comes to stroke treatment.
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Hospitals should improve accuracy of diagnosis
As strokes are the second leading cause of death worldwide, hospitals should focus on improving the accuracy of diagnosis to prevent missed strokes. Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood flow, typically due to a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. Immediate diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as they significantly impact the chances of survival and recovery.
Hospitals play a vital role in providing timely and accurate diagnoses of strokes. To improve accuracy, hospitals should ensure that their emergency departments are well-equipped with the necessary tools and systems to identify strokes effectively. This includes implementing standardised protocols and utilising advanced technology for imaging and diagnostics. For instance, CT scans are essential in helping doctors visualise bleeding or abnormalities in the brain, aiding in prompt and accurate diagnoses.
Additionally, hospitals should focus on staff training and education to enhance the accuracy of stroke diagnosis. Medical personnel, including emergency medicine specialists and neurologists, should be well-versed in recognising the signs and symptoms of strokes. They should be able to distinguish between different types of strokes, such as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as treatment approaches differ significantly.
Furthermore, hospitals can improve accuracy by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This involves conducting regular audits and reviews of stroke cases, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective measures. Collaboration between hospitals, academic institutions, and research centres can also help develop best practices and standardised protocols for stroke diagnosis, ensuring that patients receive consistent and accurate care across different healthcare settings.
By prioritising accuracy in stroke diagnosis, hospitals can significantly reduce the likelihood of missed strokes and improve patient outcomes. Timely and accurate diagnoses enable prompt initiation of treatment, which is critical in increasing the chances of survival and minimising long-term disabilities associated with strokes.
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Treatments include surgery, medication, and rehabilitation
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood flow. It is the second-leading cause of death worldwide and the fifth most common in the US. As such, it is critical to receive treatment as soon as possible to increase the chances of survival and recovery.
Medication is also a crucial aspect of stroke treatment. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a medicine that breaks up blood clots blocking blood flow to the brain. It must be administered within 3 hours of the onset of symptoms, although research suggests it may still be beneficial beyond this window. If tPA cannot be used, anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, can be given to prevent clots from forming or growing larger. Additionally, medication may be provided to lower fever, restore blood pressure, or address other complications.
Rehabilitation plans are often recommended as part of stroke recovery. Before leaving the hospital, a patient's ability to speak, swallow, and walk is assessed. A healthcare team of doctors, specialists, and therapists will collaborate to support the patient's rehabilitation journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you.
Symptoms include a sudden loss of balance, sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes, a droop on one or both sides of the face, sagging or dropping in one arm, and slurred speech or trouble choosing the right words.
Control high blood pressure, quit smoking, and control your cholesterol.
