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C – Face: ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or the smile is asymmetrical, it is a warning sign.
O – Eyes: sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, double vision or eye deviation.
R – Strange to speak: difficulty speaking, slurred words or nonsensical phrases.
R – Rapid weakness: inability to lift or keep one or both arms or legs elevated.
If just one of these symptoms appears, act like a stroke until proven otherwise.
Don’t wait for it to “pass”
There is a very dangerous misconception: when the symptoms last a few minutes and disappear, many people believe that it was just dizziness. In reality, it could have been a transient ischemic attack, a clear warning that a major stroke can occur at any time.
It’s always better to have a false alarm than to be late
What to do immediately
Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move the person on your own if an ambulance can arrive quickly. The paramedics notify the hospital and activate special protocols.
Write down the exact time your symptoms began. This information is essential to decide on treatment.
Go to a hospital with a CT scan and neurological guard, preferably a large one or with a stroke unit.
What NOT to do
Do not give water or food. Many people with effusion lose the ability to swallow and are able to breathe fluids into their lungs.
Not lowering blood pressure on your own. In the first few hours, higher pressure can help blood reach the brain.
Do not prick fingers or use “home remedies”. They have no scientific basis and only waste valuable time.
Why the first 4 hours are decisive
In ischemic strokes, there is a medicine called a thrombolytic that can dissolve the clot and reopen the artery. It is very effective, but can only be used inside the golden window. After that time, the risk of serious bleeding increases.
In some cases, doctors may also perform a mechanical thrombectomy, inserting a catheter through the groin into the brain to physically remove the clot. This technique increases the chances of recovery when you arrive in time.
The best strategy: prevent
The good news is that up to 8 out of 10 strokes can be prevented with simple habits:
