It has been estimated that for every minute that an acute stroke is not treated, approximately 1.9 million neurons in the brain will die as a result. Therefore, it is advisable that should an individual develop any neurological symptoms of sudden onset that is suspicious of a stroke, they should seek medical attention immediately such that they could be timely assessed and managed with emergency treatments as soon as possible. Recognition of these symptoms can potentially reduce the level of brain damage and therefore long-term disability, which is of paramount importance.

 

Typical symptoms of stroke include sudden onset of:

• Weakness of the face, arms and/or legs (usually on one side of the body)

• Slurred speech

• Impaired language
  e.g. difficulty in expressing oneself, confused or lack of speech

• Double vision or loss of vision

• Feeling vertiginous (spinning sensation) and/or loss of balance

• Severe headache