Stroke in Senior Citizens: Signs & Symptoms
Anybody can experience a stroke irrespective of their age or gender. Like a heart attack, a stroke is a serious medical emergency. The CDC states that the likelihood of suffering a stroke doubles after turning 55. According to the CDC the chances of having a stroke is higher in women than men.
WHAT IS A STROKE?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a rupture of a blood vessel. As a result, brain cells are starved of oxygen and nutrients and start dying within minutes.
TYPES OF BRAIN STROKES:
Brain strokes are mainly of two types:
- Ischemic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to a specific part of the brain. As a result, oxygen and essential nutrients cannot reach the brain tissue. Ischemic strokes are the most frequently occurring type of stroke.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke– This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, damaging brain tissues.
SIGNS OF STROKE:
Here are the seven main warning signs of a stroke, especially in older adults:
- Weak Limbs
- Blurred vision
- Facial Palsy
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble Swallowing
- Loss of Coordination
- Trouble Speaking
USE F-A-S-T RULE:
| TEST | SYMPTOM VERIFYING STROKE | |
| F-face | Ask the patient to smile. | Check if one side of the face drops or does not move as we do the other half. |
| A-arms | Ask the patient to raise both the arms. | See if one arm starts to fall when the person raises both arms. |
| S-speech | Ask the patient to repeat a simple sentence. | Notice if they are slurring words, unable to repeat a sentence, or seem confused and don’t understand what’s being said . |
| T-time |
If you observe even just one out of three symptoms, immediately call 911.
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WHAT TO DO IN SOMEONE IS HAVING A STROKE?
If someone near you shows signs of a stroke, here are some steps you can take to help them feel more comfortable and safe until medical help arrives:
- Call emergency services as soon as possible as the time is critical. Dial 108/112 in India for help.
- Make sure that you note the time of the symptom onset, this helps doctors fasten the treatment.
- Keep the person who is suffering from the stroke calm and comfortable. Make sure they are lying down with their head being slightly elevated.
- Do not give food, drinks or medications as the patient might have trouble swallowing, increasing the risk of choking.
- Check the patient’s breathing rate and pulse rate. In case the patient is having any sort of trouble, start CPR if trained.
- Do not leave the person alone. Keep checking their condition until medical help comes.
TIPS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN RECOVERY
- Follow the doctor’s rehabilitation plan strictly. Stick to the therapy and medications as prescribed by the healthcare team.
- Eat a balanced and heart-healthy diet. Add plenty of green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-sodium foods to the diet.
- Manage blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol levels, ensure regular monitoring and control of these levels.
- Try to avoid smoking and limit alcohol as these habits can increase the risk of a second stroke and can also slow down your recovery.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments and keep all doctor visits for monitoring health status and adjusting treatment as needed.
CONCLUSION
Stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate action as well as attention, especially among older adults who are obviously at higher risk. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing medical conditions can reduce the risk of stroke in older adults.