Identifying a Stroke
A stroke is an urgent medical condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced. This deprivation prevents brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients, leading to rapid brain cell death. Recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly is important because early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
The most common signs of a stroke can be remembered using the acronym FAST. F stands for Face drooping, where one side of the person’s face may droop or feel numb. A represents Arm weakness, meaning that if the person tries to raise both arms, one arm might drift downward. S signifies Speech difficulty, where the person’s speech may be slurred or they might have trouble repeating a simple sentence. T stands for Time to call emergency services immediately, as every minute counts.
How Aspirin Helps Ischemic Strokes
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain. These clots often form in arteries narrowed by fatty deposits. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 87% of all stroke cases.
Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, preventing blood cells called platelets from clumping together. Platelets play a primary role in forming blood clots. By inhibiting specific enzymes, aspirin reduces their stickiness. This action helps prevent new clots or the growth of existing ones that might be blocking blood flow to the brain.
For an ischemic stroke, administering aspirin can help dissolve or reduce the clot, potentially restoring blood flow to affected brain tissue. This benefit is specific to ischemic strokes. Aspirin should only be given under medical supervision after a definitive diagnosis.
If aspirin is given within 48 hours of an ischemic stroke, it can reduce the risk of early recurrence and improve long-term outcomes. This highlights the importance of rapid medical evaluation.
Why Aspirin Harms Hemorrhagic Strokes
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the surrounding brain tissue. This bleeding damages brain cells through direct compression and by depriving other areas of oxygen and nutrients. Hemorrhagic strokes are less common than ischemic strokes, accounting for roughly 13% of all stroke cases, but they are often more severe and carry a higher mortality rate.
Aspirin thins the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation. While beneficial for preventing clots in ischemic strokes, this property is dangerous in a hemorrhagic stroke. If a person experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke takes aspirin, its blood-thinning effects will worsen the bleeding within the brain. This increased bleeding can lead to greater pressure on brain tissue, causing more extensive damage.
Administering aspirin during a hemorrhagic stroke can worsen the patient’s condition, potentially leading to more severe neurological deficits or death. Increased blood volume within the skull can rapidly elevate intracranial pressure, compressing vital brain structures.
Medical professionals must perform diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine the specific type of stroke. This imaging allows them to visualize whether the stroke is caused by a clot or by bleeding. Without this diagnosis, giving aspirin is a gamble with potentially fatal consequences.
What to Do Immediately
When someone exhibits signs of a stroke, call emergency services immediately. Rapid medical assessment and intervention are critical for preserving brain function. Every minute that passes, brain cells are deprived of oxygen, leading to irreversible damage.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical professionals will perform diagnostic tests, often a CT scan or MRI, to determine the stroke type. These imaging techniques differentiate between an ischemic stroke (blood clot) and a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding). The treatment approach varies drastically depending on the stroke type.
Avoid giving aspirin or any other medication to someone suspected of having a stroke before medical professionals make a definitive diagnosis. Aspirin is beneficial for ischemic strokes but extremely harmful in hemorrhagic strokes, as it would worsen bleeding. Administering the wrong treatment can lead to more severe brain damage or death.
Keep the person comfortable and calm while waiting for emergency services. Do not offer them any food or drink, as swallowing reflexes may be impaired, posing a choking risk. Provide accurate information to paramedics, such as when symptoms started and any medical history.