Warning Signs of a Stroke

Summary: A stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. A stroke is a severe medical condition that needs urgent treatment. Veterans need immense support to heal and rebuild their life. Brain Injury Support groups provide free services to support brain injury survivors and their caregivers.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical condition that happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. It is also called a Brain Attack. It's a medical emergency that is required to be treated quickly. Strokes can happen to anyone of any age at any time. Our brain controls various functions. The brain controls our movements, thoughts, memories, motor skills, touch, breathing, and vision. The brain controls every process that regulates our body. It needs oxygen to work correctly. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, brain cells start to die within minutes which causes a stroke.

Effects of a Stroke

The effect of a stroke depends on the part of the brain it damages and how severe the damage is. A damaged part of the brain cannot function properly. A stroke can affect a person's ability to talk, walk, see, or do things they usually do before a stroke. A stroke can cause lifelong brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Disabilities due to stroke range from slight to severe. Some people go on to recover and live healthy lives. For some others, disabilities will take time to improve and can be managed. For some people, disabilities from stroke may last lifelong. A rehabilitation plan helps survivors do the things they used to do before a stroke.

Symptoms of a Stroke

You can detect the symptoms of a stroke with the acronym FAST. It would be best if you acted FAST to help stroke patients get their necessary treatment. Stroke treatments work best if they are identified within the first 3 hours of the first symptoms.

If you notice someone may be having a stroke, then act FAST and do the following test:

• F-Face: Drooping or numbness on one side of the face. Ask the individual to smile to make the droop more apparent.

• A-Arms: Ask the individual to raise both arms and hold them for a while. If one arm begins to drop or fall, it can signify a stroke.

• S-Speech: Change in speech, including slurred, garbled, or inability to respond appropriately.

• T-Time: Call an ambulance immediately if you see any of these signs.

Identifying stroke symptoms is essential to get proper treatment for the person experiencing a stroke. Additional symptoms of a stroke may include:

• Weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs.

• Difficulty in speaking or understanding appropriately.

• Sudden or severe headache

• Loss of Balance

• Blurred eyes, decreased vision in one or both eyes, or loss of vision

• Dizziness

• Difficulty in swallowing

Sometimes these signs of a stroke disappear in a short period, such as a few minutes. If this situation occurs, it may be a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). TIA is known as a mini-stroke. If it happens, it indicates that your stroke risk is higher. You can take this warning as an opportunity to prevent yourself from having a stroke in the future.

Stroke Support Group

Stroke Support Group is a safe and supportive place where you can learn more about self-care. These groups help build your confidence as you rebuild your life after a stroke. Stroke Support Group plays a significant role for survivors and caregivers recovering from a stroke. You need someone to help rehabilitate your body and mind after a stroke.

Even the caregiver of stroke survivors deserves appreciation and love. Joining a stroke support group benefits both the survivor and the caregiver. Stroke support groups provide a platform to the survivors and their caregivers where they can share their feelings, experiences, and problems. Social interaction with others helps to ease the feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation which are very common after a stroke. These groups have the power to change the lives of stroke survivors. These support groups provide you an opportunity to meet others who are affected by stroke. Participating in such groups provides you vital support to rebuild life after a stroke.

Brain Injury Support For Veterans

Significant brain damage caused due to a blow or trauma to the head is known as brain injury. Brain injuries range from mild to severe. Brain injury is further classified into two categories: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Veterans are at risk of brain injuries from exposure to explosions experienced during combat.

A person with a brain injury may experience symptoms based on the location and severity of the brain injury. Veterans with brain injuries need support to recover and cope with brain injuries. Brain Injury support for veterans is crucial to rebuild their confidence and improve their quality of life after a brain injury. Support from groups such as Brain Injury Services is essential for veterans to heal and recover properly. Participating in support groups helps veterans to share their feelings with other group members. These groups are a helping hand for those veterans who face hurdles in going back to their everyday lives.

Support groups provide a platform for veterans to share their service, injury, treatment, and recovery stories with other survivors. These groups provide a space for the veterans where they can learn from each other. These members can share their personal experiences and coping strategies with other survivors who sustained a brain injury. Caregivers play a vital role in helping injured veterans recover fully and rebuild their lives. Caregivers of brain injury survivors can also participate in these groups to find support and share their emotions.