A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, they begin to die within minutes. Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly is important for timely medical intervention, which can improve outcomes and reduce long-term damage.
Understanding the Stroke Tongue Test
The “tongue test” is an observation that can suggest a stroke, though it is not a standalone diagnostic. To perform it, ask the person to stick their tongue straight out. Observe if the tongue deviates, meaning it turns or points to one side, or if it appears weak, abnormal, or asymmetrical.
This deviation happens because a stroke can damage parts of the brain that control the hypoglossal nerve, which is responsible for tongue movement. If the motor cortex in the brain is affected, the tongue may turn away from the midline, deviating toward the side of the brain lesion.
While tongue deviation can be a sign, it is not specific to stroke, as other neurological conditions can also cause it. It is more commonly seen alongside other, more obvious stroke symptoms like facial drooping or arm weakness. Visual assessment remains a common initial check.
Recognizing Other Stroke Warning Signs
Beyond the tongue test, other common and sudden signs of a stroke are summarized by the “FAST” acronym. This mnemonic helps people quickly identify key symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Recognizing these signs can lead to prompt action.
Face drooping involves one side of the face appearing uneven or numb, often noticeable when the person tries to smile. Arm weakness manifests as one arm drifting downward or being unable to be raised fully when the person attempts to lift both arms. Speech difficulty can include slurred words, trouble speaking clearly, or an inability to understand speech.
These symptoms appear suddenly and require immediate attention, even if they seem to resolve on their own. Other signs that may occur suddenly include numbness or weakness in a leg, sudden blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes, unexpected confusion, dizziness, loss of balance, or a severe headache without a known cause.
What to Do in a Stroke Emergency
If someone exhibits any signs of a stroke, the most important action is to call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself, as paramedics can begin lifesaving treatment en route and prepare the hospital for the patient’s arrival.
Immediate medical attention is important because “time is brain” in stroke care. Rapid treatment, such as clot-dissolving medication for ischemic strokes, is most effective when administered within a narrow window, often within three hours of symptom onset.
While waiting for emergency services, keep the person calm and comfortable, helping them to sit or lie down safely. Avoid giving them any food or drink. It is also helpful to note the exact time when the symptoms first began, as this information is important for medical professionals to determine the appropriate course of treatment.