In a stroke, part of the brain suddenly stops receiving enough blood. Usually a blood clot blocks a vessel; doctors then speak of a cerebral infarction. Less often, a vessel ruptures and blood leaks into the brain. Without blood flow, the nerve cells lack oxygen; the longer this lasts, the more tissue is lost. Experts sum this up in three words: time is brain.
Typically, the signs appear suddenly: paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, a drooping corner of the mouth, difficulty speaking or understanding, visual disturbances, dizziness with an unsteady gait or a sudden, very severe headache. The FAST test helps with assessment: Face – ask the person to smile; Arms – ask them to stretch both arms out in front; Speech – ask them to repeat a simple sentence. If any of these checks is abnormal, it is Time: call 112 immediately.
Signs that disappear again after a few minutes also need immediate medical attention. Such a temporary disruption of blood flow can precede a stroke. The specialist societies’ guideline therefore recommends treating people with a stroke, and those whose signs have recently subsided, on a stroke unit – regardless of age and severity.
The stroke unit is a ward for the first few days after a stroke. Blood pressure, heart rhythm, breathing, oxygen, blood sugar and temperature are monitored continuously, so that any deterioration or a new stroke is noticed early. At the same time, the cause is investigated, and nursing care and therapy begin as soon as the patient’s condition allows. In this way, the unit combines acute treatment, diagnosis and the first step back into everyday life.