Do you know the Warning Signs of Stroke?
A stroke can happen without warning and sometimes without the victim knowing they had a stroke. While some strokes are debilitating and others have few lasting signs, it can be an advantage to know the symptoms in order to seek the help needed. If you or a loved one was injured by a stroke that may have been caused by the reckless treatment of a medical professional, call a medical malpractice attorney today.
In the Unites States, a stroke happens about every 40 seconds, affecting about 795,000 Americans each year. Do you know the warning signs of stroke?
Warning Signs of Stroke
According to WebMD, when a person experiences a stroke, they are more than likely to have an onset of one or more of these sudden warning signs:
- A feeling of numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg;particularly on one side
- Onset confusion or trouble understanding other people
- Difficulty speaking
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
- Problems walking or in staying balanced or coordinated
- Dizziness
- A severe headache that comes on without explanation
Types of Strokes
Since stroke symptoms may differ depending on the type of stroke experienced, it is good to know the different types of strokes. Other factors that may affect stroke symptoms are where it occurs in the brain, and how severe it is. A less severe stroke may be more difficult to recognize.
An ischemic stroke happens when a vessel that normally supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked. It can happen for a variety of reasons including fatty deposits in arteries (atherosclerosis). Sometimes a blood clot forms in the heart from an irregular heartbeat, which is called atrial fibrillation. It then travels and blocks an artery supplying the brain.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain. This can also happen for a variety of reasons.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a “mini stroke” from a temporary blockage. A TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, but it may cause stroke warning signs, which could last minutes up to a few hours. A TIA is a sign you shouldn’t ignore.
Know that if you have stroke warning signs, this means your brain isn’t getting the full supply of the blood it needs. The lack of blood flow can cause temporary or permanent damage. For example, a person might lose the ability to speak temporarily, but recover it with time or may permanently lose control of muscles on one side of their face.
Seek immediate treatment if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of stroke. The sooner the treatment is received, the less chance of serious damage to the brain and less chance of permanent disability.
Failure to Diagnose Stroke
Know that when a medical professional fails to recognize the signs of heart disease that can lead to a stroke or fails to recognize that person has had a stroke, they may be liable for a life-threatening health outcome. Contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered from a failure to diagnose or failure to treat heart disease or stroke.
If you were injured because of medical negligence or lost a loved one due to a preventable medical error, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced medical malpractice attorney fight for justice on your behalf. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a medical negligence lawyer. Call the most experienced practicing medical malpractice attorneys Bellingham has at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured by medical negligence in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
