What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when an area of the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly. As a result, cells in the affected part of the brain no longer work. The loss of too many brain cells can cause permanent damage to your physical, cognitive and emotional health, including paralysis and memory loss. Strokes can also be fatal. If you or someone around you may be having a stroke, call 911 right away. A stroke needs immediate attention. Quick treatment can save a life and reduce the risk of serious complications. Don’t wait—every second matters.
Síntomas de un accidente cerebrovascular
Los síntomas de un accidente cerebrovascular pueden afectar a todo el cuerpo y suelen aparecer sin previo aviso. Los síntomas que experimenta dependen de la zona del cerebro afectada y de las funciones corporales que controla esa zona.
En general, la aparición repentina de uno o varios de los siguientes síntomas puede indicar un accidente cerebrovascular:
- Visión borrosa, visión doble o pérdida de visión
- Confusión
- Dificultad para hablar o entender el discurso de los demás
- Caída facial
- Dolor de cabeza intenso
- Pérdida de equilibrio o coordinación
- Entumecimiento o debilidad en un lado del cuerpo
Cuando consultar con su médico
If you or someone else experiences stroke symptoms, even if they come and go, seek medical help immediately. Every second counts.
Si cree que alguien puede estar teniendo un accidente cerebrovascular, siga las siglas B.E. F.A.S.T. y realice la siguiente prueba:
- Balance: Ask the person to stand. Look for sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Eyes: Ask if they are experiencing double vision, blurriness, or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of the face.
- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Look for one arm to drift downward or feel weak.
- Speech: Ask for the person to speak. Listen for slurred speech or difficulty finding words.
- Time: Call 911 right away. Note the time symptoms started—this helps doctors decide on the best treatment.
Pregúntele al experto: Causas y factores de riesgo del accidente cerebrovascular
¿Qué causa un accidente cerebrovascular? ¿Puede la diabetes aumentar el riesgo de sufrir un accidente cerebrovascular? ¿Sabe qué hacer si alguien está sufriendo un accidente cerebrovascular?
La Dra. Lauren Fournier, neuróloga vascular del personal médico de Baylor Scott & White, responde a preguntas comunes sobre los accidentes cerebrovasculares y comparte los signos a los que debe prestar atención.
¿Cómo se diagnostica un accidente cerebrovascular?
Calling 911 is the most effective way to ensure doctors can diagnose a stroke and start treatment as quickly as possible. When you arrive in the emergency department, a team that includes an emergency medicine physician, neurologist and other providers will diagnose a stroke by looking at your symptoms, medical history and results from tests and exams. They will determine the type of stroke, what caused it, which part of your brain was affected, and whether there was any bleeding. If you’ve had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), your doctor will investigate the cause to help prevent a stroke in the future.
