How to Provide Emergency First Aid for Stroke at Home

Recognizing a stroke quickly and providing immediate assistance can be life-saving. If you suspect someone is experiencing a stroke, use the following tests to assess the situation:

The Smile Test

Ask the person to smile. Observe whether both sides of the face move symmetrically. Facial drooping on one side is a common sign of stroke.

The Arm Raise Test

Ask the individual to raise both arms and hold them in that position. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be lifted equally, this may indicate muscle weakness linked to a stroke.

The Speech Test

Request that the person speak a simple sentence. Slurred or unclear speech, or the inability to form a complete sentence, is another key warning sign.

What to Do If Stroke Symptoms Are Present

If any of these tests reveal abnormalities, it's crucial to call emergency services immediately (such as 911). Timely treatment within the first 3 to 4.5 hours can allow for clot-busting medication (thrombolytic therapy), while clot removal (thrombectomy) may be possible within 6 hours. Rapid intervention significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Emergency Care While Waiting for Medical Help

While waiting for emergency responders, here are several key steps to follow:

Maintain Calm and Stability

Help the person remain calm and relaxed. Stress can elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which may worsen their condition.

Proper Body Positioning

Position the person's head at a 30-degree angle and tilted slightly to one side. If they are unconscious or vomiting, place them in a recovery position—on their side—to prevent choking from secretions or foreign objects.

Minimize Movement

When moving the person, keep their head stable and avoid unnecessary shaking. Sudden movements can aggravate the situation.

Avoid Eating or Drinking

Do not allow the person to eat or drink. During a medical emergency, blood sugar levels often rise naturally. Additionally, if the person is unconscious, giving them food or water increases the risk of choking or aspiration.

Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation

Once en route to the hospital, doctors will perform a head CT scan to rule out brain hemorrhage before proceeding with further treatment, such as clot-dissolving medications or surgical intervention.