Someone suffers a stroke nearly ever 45 seconds. On average, someone dies of a stroke every 3 to 4 minutes. But, doctors say if they can get to a stroke patient within 3 hours from the onset of a stroke, in most cases, not only can they save your life…they can totally reverse the effects too. So, what will it take you to realize how much time matters?
The woman that we interviewed for this story is a true testiment to how much quick action can make a huge difference. She’s only 46 and she was a picture of health until she suffered a stroke just recently as she headed out the door for a 10k race. She thought maybe her symptoms were from carbon monoxide in the house and did her best to get to her sons room so they could get out of the house. But, carrying his mother out of the house seeing her condition alone deteriorate her son new they needed help. He dialed 911 and from the time that his mother began to show signs of a stroke, to the time she eventually arrived at the hospital only 1 hour had elapsed. She’s back out slowly starting to run again with no long-lasting effects from the stroke. Doctors diagnosed her with a protein dificiency in her blood that’s not commonly checked…something she may never have known about had it not been for the stroke.
The paramedic who helped her that day came back to the house to do an interview with us as well and he said that sadly, her story is all too rare. Oftentimes, he says he asks people why they waited so long to get help and they say they thought whatever was wrong would go away. Change your way of thinking now if you would do the same! Waiting could and does often result in death or prolonged effects.
Symptoms of stroke may include: a sudden change in alertness, difficulty speaking, severe headache, difficulty swallowing, loss of coordination, difficulty writing and reading, loss of motor skills, nausea, numbness or tingling, and decreased vision. Learn how to spot the warning signs now. Find out how to prevent them. And get help quickly if you ever think that something is wrong!
