May is National Stroke Awareness Month — the perfect time for brushing up on your knowledge about stroke symptoms, how to respond if you’re witnessing a stroke, and how to support a loved one who is returning home after a stroke.
Stroke Symptoms
Familiarizing yourself with stroke symptoms is key to recognizing them – and acting quickly if you happen to witness them. Stroke symptoms come on very suddenly, without warning. What to look for: Some of the most common stroke symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Confusion
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Coordination trouble
- Severe headache
Stroke Response
Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke response. The faster you can intervene when someone is experiencing stroke symptoms, the better. If time is on your side, the outcome for the stroke victim improves dramatically. Remember the acronym “FAST” when deciding how to act in the face of common stroke symptoms.
FAST stands for:
- FACE: Look for drooping one on side of the face
- ARM: Does one drift downward?
- SPEECH: Is speech slurred or distorted?
- TIME: Call 911 right away if you notice these symptoms
Stroke Recovery
As difficult as a stroke is on the stroke victim, it also takes a toll on their loved ones and caretakers, and can change life significantly. Depending on the severity of the stroke, the victim’s quality of life can be impacted —either temporarily or permanently. They may need to have their living space modified to better meet their needs, and make it easier to safely navigate around their home. To get started, visit Amramp’s helpful guide for preparing the home for a stroke survivor here.
Other helpful online resources include the Careliving Guide from the experts at stroke.org.
Don’t let a stroke keep your loved ones from feeling safe and comfortable in their own home. Let Amramp’s total mobility solutions offer the freedom and peace of mind they deserve.
Wheelchair ramp manufacturer and installer Amramp offers innovative accessibility products, including the ADA–compliant, patented modular ramp system. On-site estimates are free, and installation is generally within days, often within 24 hours.
For more about Amramp’s wheelchair ramp and aging-in-place products and services, or free on-site estimates, please contact Amramp’s National Customer Service Center at 888-715-7598.
