Know the signs. Treatment is time-sensitive!
I was recently working with a patient who had experienced a stroke during our session. We had just initiated gait training and suddenly he became significantly weak and lost his balance, requiring me to guide him into a chair. He was leaning to one side and his vitals were unstable, with his blood pressure reading at 192/105. We transferred him to his bed and called 911 while continuing to further assess. This individual had dementia so he had difficulty following instructions at baseline, but we noted no volitional movement of his left side but he continued to spontaneously move his right. He was taken to a nearby emergency room and diagnosed with a right-sided stroke.
The signs he showed were quite obvious, and it’s crucial to understand that this is NOT always the case. So please, please, please – if you, your loved one, or your patient experience ANY of these to any degree, call 911. It is always better to be safe than sorry!
#physicaltherapist #physiotherapy #physicaltherapy #dpt #strokeawareness #strokerecovery
Knowing the BE FAST signs of a stroke can save a life. The acronym stands for: B for Balance: Sudden loss of coordination or balance is a key indicator. E for Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision may indicate a stroke. F for Face: Look for drooping on one side of the face. A for Arm: Watch for weakness or numbness in one arm or leg. S for Speech: Notice any slurred speech or inability to speak. T for Time: If you recognize any of these signs, call 911 immediately! Every second counts in stroke treatment. Maintaining awareness of these symptoms and understanding their urgency is vital. In many instances, the signs may not be overt, especially in patients with conditions such as dementia, who might struggle to communicate their symptoms. By prioritizing education around these signs and acting swiftly, we can significantly improve recovery outcomes and save lives.
I really onset headache.. and everything seems to spin..