Stroke in Seniors: Here Are the Signs to Watch Out For
Stroke ranks as New Zealand’s second leading cause of death and is the primary contributor to significant adult disabilities. Nevertheless, many people who experience a stroke go on to recover and enjoy fulfilling lives.
Early recognition and prompt medical intervention are essential for minimising the effects of a stroke in seniors. Whether you are an older adult, being aware of the warning signs is vital.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted, leading to cell death. This interruption can happen in two primary ways:
Ischaemic stroke
Ischaemic stroke, which accounts for about 87% of all strokes, occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain becomes blocked, often by a clot or plaque buildup. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching brain cells, resulting in their damage or death.
Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding that increases pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. This type can be further divided into intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding within the brain) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding in the area between the brain and its outer covering).
Risk Factors for Stroke
Certain factors can increase your risk of having a stroke. The most effective way to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from a stroke is to be aware of your risk factors.
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Smoking
- Heart diseases
- Age
- Medications
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Common Signs of Stroke in Seniors
Facial drooping
This can occur on one or both sides of the face. This symptom is particularly significant because it often indicates a disruption in blood flow to the brain, which can lead to paralysis or weakness in the facial muscles. During a stroke, the eyelids and corners of the mouth may droop, making it difficult for the individual to smile or speak clearly. Ask the person to smile or reveal their teeth. If one side of their face does not move as effectively as the other, go to the hospital right away.
Weak arms
This symptom often manifests as a sudden inability to lift one arm or maintain it in an elevated position. When assessing arm weakness, it’s important to ask the individual to raise both arms simultaneously. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be raised, it may indicate that the person is experiencing a stroke.
Speech problems
Difficulty speaking often arises due to the impact of the stroke on the brain areas responsible for language and speech production. Individuals may experience dysarthria, where the muscles used for speech become weak, leading to unclear or slurred words. They might struggle to articulate their thoughts clearly, making their speech sound slow or garbled. This can occur even if they understand what is being said to them.
Vision changes
Sudden vision problems can also indicate a stroke. Individuals may experience blurred vision, double vision, or a loss of vision in one or both eyes. These visual disturbances arise from disrupted blood flow to the areas of the brain that process visual information.
Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Stroke
Timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients. Thus, acting quickly is essential. If you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, seek emergency medical help.
