First Aid Basics for a Stroke (Brain Attack) Victim

A stroke, otherwise known as a Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA), occurs when blood vessels that are supposed to deliver oxygen to all parts of the brain become ruptured or clogged. When this occurs, the affected area of the brain does not get the oxygen-rich blood flow that it needs. Without oxygen, the nerve cells in the affected area die within minutes. Dead nerve cells cannot be replaced. This is why the effects of a stroke are often permanent.

Strokes rarely occur without warning signs. A person usually experiences at least one "mini-stroke" before the full-blown stroke. This "mini-stroke" is called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) and is closely associated with a CVA. The TIA has the same symptoms as a CVA and can often be confused with a full-blown stroke. The main difference is that the symptoms of a TIA are transient, only lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Afterward, there is a return to normal neurological function. In this case, the nerve cells in the affected area are not completely deprived of oxygen and hence, they do not die. The blood vessels are not ruptured but they are a little clogged. A little oxygen somehow manages to get through to the brain. When the blood vessels become unclogged, the affected nerve cells receive the normal amount of oxygen and the effects of the TIA are reversed.

A TIA is a warning sign of a either a more serious and worse TIA or a potential full-blown CVA. It is reported that approximately one-third of all TIA cases will suffer a CVA between the (2) and five (5) years after their first TIA. Any symptom of a TIA should be reported to a physician.

Signs to Look For:
1. Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (or all three) on one side of the body;
2. Blurred or decreased vision, especially in one eye;
3. Problems with speech or comprehension;
4. Loss of balance; dizziness;
5. Severe unexplained headache;
6. The person's eyes may be unresponsive to light.

First Aid Steps
1. If the victim is unresponsive, check to make sure his airway is clear, that he is breathing and check for a pulse.
2. Call an ambulance or EMS.
3. Lay the victim down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. This will reduce blood pressure on the brain.
4. If the victim is unresponsive but breathing, he should be placed in the recovery position, i.e. to lie on the left side with the chin extended. This will keep the airway open and permit any vomit to drain from the mouth.

When dealing with a stroke victim, time is of the essence. Remember, nerve cells in the affected area of the brain die within minutes if deprived of oxygen. Quick responses are necessary to minimize the damage sustained.