A stroke, often called a “brain attack,” is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted. This interruption happens when a blood vessel is blocked by a clot (an ischemic stroke) or ruptures and bleeds (a hemorrhagic stroke). Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells die rapidly, leading to lasting damage, disability, or even death. Strokes can occur during sleep, making recognition upon waking particularly challenging.
Recognizing Symptoms Upon Waking
Recognizing stroke signs immediately upon waking is crucial, as symptoms can be subtle or easily mistaken for post-sleep grogginess. Symptoms of a stroke occurring during sleep, often called a “wake-up stroke,” are the same as those experienced while awake; the key difference is when they are noticed. The FAST acronym helps remember common signs: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services.
For “Face drooping,” observe if one side of the person’s face sags or is numb, evident when they try to smile or if a corner of their mouth is difficult to move. For “Arm weakness,” check if one arm feels weak or numb; if asked to raise both arms, one might drift downward or cannot be held up. “Speech difficulty” might manifest as slurred speech, trouble understanding what others are saying, or an inability to form clear sentences. Beyond the FAST acronym, other symptoms upon waking include sudden confusion, vision disturbances such as blurred or double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes. Some individuals might also experience sudden dizziness, a loss of balance, or a severe headache with no apparent cause.
Why Sleep Strokes Pose a Challenge
Identifying a stroke that occurred during sleep presents unique difficulties compared to one that happens while awake. A primary reason is the absence of immediate witnesses; a person is alone and unconscious during sleep, so no one can observe the initial onset of symptoms. This lack of observation means the precise time the stroke began remains unknown, a significant challenge for medical professionals.
Symptoms of a wake-up stroke can be subtle or easily attributed to common sleep-related issues like feeling disoriented or groggy. A person might initially dismiss weakness or confusion upon waking as normal morning sluggishness, delaying recognition. This delay in recognizing symptoms directly impacts treatment options, as many effective stroke therapies are highly time-sensitive.
What to Do if You Suspect a Stroke
If you suspect a stroke upon waking, immediate medical attention is crucial. Call emergency services, such as 911, without delay. Even if symptoms seem to improve or disappear, seeking emergency care is important. Do not attempt to drive yourself or the affected person to the hospital; emergency medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment en route and pre-notify the hospital, expediting care upon arrival.
While waiting for responders, remain calm and be prepared to describe observed symptoms and when they were first noticed. Even if the exact time of symptom onset is unknown due to the stroke occurring during sleep, providing information is helpful for medical staff to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Do not give the person any food, drink, or medication, as a stroke can impair swallowing. For every minute a stroke goes untreated, approximately 1.9 million brain cells can be lost, underscoring why acting quickly is so important.