My Mother Survived an Ischemic Stroke: Signs I Wish I Had Known Sooner

Last week, my 65-year-old mother experienced an ischemic stroke, and it was one of the scariest moments of our lives. Looking back, I realize there were warning signs I didn’t recognize until it was almost too late. I wanted to share our story so others can learn from it and act faster if they ever face a similar situation.

Here’s what happened:
She had been complaining about feeling unusually tired for weeks, but we chalked it up to her busy schedule. A few days before the stroke, she mentioned feeling a strange numbness in her left arm and face, which would come and go. She also said she had trouble focusing on her work and felt “off,” like something wasn’t right.

The morning of the stroke, I noticed her speech sounded slightly slurred, and she kept dropping small items like her phone and coffee cup. When I asked if she was okay, she laughed it off, but minutes later, she couldn’t lift her left arm at all, and her face drooped on one side.

I called 911 immediately, and the paramedics arrived quickly. They confirmed it was an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to her brain. Thankfully, because we acted fast, the doctors were able to administer a clot-busting drug (tPA) within the critical three-hour window, which saved her life and minimized damage.

What I Learned About Ischemic Stroke Symptoms
– Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body).
– Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
– Sudden confusion or trouble understanding others.
– Vision problems in one or both eyes.
– Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

Doctor’s Advice: Act FAST
The emergency room doctor emphasized the importance of the FAST acronym:
– Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
– Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb?
– Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
– Time to call 911: If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait.

Ischemic Stroke Facts Everyone Should Know
– Ischemic strokes account for about 87% of all strokes, making them the most common type.
– Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke, and quick action can significantly improve outcomes.
– Risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Tips for Stroke Prevention
The doctors also provided lifestyle tips to reduce her risk of another stroke:
– Manage blood pressure with diet, exercise, and medication.
– Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
– Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
– Stay active with regular exercise, even light walking.

I hope sharing our story helps others recognize the signs of an ischemic stroke early. It could make all the difference in saving a loved one’s life. If you’ve experienced something similar or have any questions, feel free to share your thoughts here.