Do not wait for someone to develop a particular skin color before seeking help.
9. Why Every Minute Matters
The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose delivered through the bloodstream.
When a blood vessel becomes blocked or ruptures, the affected brain tissue can quickly become damaged.
The longer the interruption continues, the greater the potential for permanent injury.
This is why emergency stroke treatment focuses on restoring blood flow when appropriate, controlling bleeding, and preventing further damage.
There are two major categories of stroke, and their treatments are different.
Ischemic Stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or other obstruction blocks an artery supplying the brain.
It is the most common type of stroke.
Depending on the patient's condition and eligibility, doctors may use:
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Intravenous thrombolysis: Medication that helps dissolve a blood clot in selected patients.
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Mechanical thrombectomy: A procedure in which specialists use a catheter to remove a clot from certain blocked brain arteries.
These treatments are time-sensitive. Some patients may qualify for treatment within several hours of symptom onset, while selected patients may benefit from imaging-guided treatment in a longer window.
The exact treatment window depends on clinical findings, imaging results, and individual circumstances.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures and causes bleeding.
Treatment may involve:
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Carefully controlling blood pressure.
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Managing pressure inside the skull.
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Reversing certain blood-thinning medications when appropriate.
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Neurosurgical procedures.
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Treating the underlying cause of the bleeding.
Because ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require different approaches, doctors must determine the type of stroke before choosing treatment.
This is one reason why people should never take aspirin or other blood-thinning medication on their own when a stroke is suspected.
10. A Transient Ischemic Attack: When Symptoms Disappear
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about stroke is that disappearing symptoms mean everything is fine.
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily disrupted, producing stroke-like symptoms that resolve.
People sometimes call it a mini-stroke.
A TIA may cause:
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Temporary weakness on one side.
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Brief speech difficulties.
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Sudden vision loss.
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Temporary numbness.
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Sudden balance problems.
The symptoms may disappear within minutes, but this does not mean the event can be ignored.
A TIA is an important warning that a person may be at increased risk of a future stroke.
Urgent medical evaluation is necessary, even when the person feels completely normal again.
The distinction between a TIA and a stroke cannot always be established simply by observing how long symptoms last. Brain imaging and medical assessment may be needed.
11. What Should You Do If Someone Shows Stroke Symptoms?
Knowing the warning signs is only the first step. Knowing how to respond is equally important.
If you suspect a stroke, take the following actions immediately.
Step 1: Call emergency services.
In Vietnam, call 115 for emergency medical assistance.
Do not waste time searching online for home treatments or waiting for symptoms to improve.
Step 2: Record the time.
Note when the symptoms first appeared.
If the person woke up with symptoms, record the last time they were known to be well before going to sleep.
This information helps doctors determine which treatments may be appropriate.
Step 3: Keep the person safe.
Help them sit or lie comfortably in a safe position. Avoid unnecessary movement, particularly if they are dizzy or have difficulty walking.
If they become unconscious but are breathing normally, follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions. A recovery position may be appropriate when there is no concern about a traumatic injury.
Step 4: Do not give food, water, or medication.
Stroke can affect swallowing. Giving food or liquids may cause choking or aspiration.
Do not give aspirin, blood pressure medication, or other drugs unless instructed by a medical professional.
Step 5: Do not drive the person yourself if emergency transport is available.
Emergency medical personnel can assess the patient and provide care during transport. They can also coordinate with the receiving hospital.
Step 6: Stay with the person.
Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness. If they stop breathing normally, follow the dispatcher's instructions and begin CPR if directed and trained to do so.
Even if symptoms disappear, emergency assessment remains essential.
12. Stroke Risk Factors You Should Know
Some stroke risk factors cannot be changed, while others can be managed through medical care and lifestyle adjustments.