Teaching kids to spot stroke signs: a vital health lesson
Because of the knowledge Danija gained in class, she encouraged her aunt to go to the emergency room promptly for treatment.
"I don't think I would have gone to the emergency room if it wasn't for her," says Gordon, who recovered thanks to quick care for her stroke.
Teaching children the warning signs of a stroke may help them save the life of a loved one, with many children today living with or being cared for by older adults. The share of children in the U.S. living with at least one grandparent has increased in recent years, and 2019 data shows one in eight children living with a grandparent.
What is a stroke
A stroke happens when there is not enough blood flow to the brain and is a medical emergency that must be treated right away. A stroke can lead to brain damage and death. But if a person gets treated right away, they have a better chance of surviving and recovering. That's why it's so important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
What types of strokes are there?
There are two main types of strokes as well as TIAs that cause similar symptoms:
- Ischemic stroke – The most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood vessel that sends blood to the brain is blocked.
- Hemorrhagic stroke – This happens when there is bleeding in the brain, which may be from a blood vessel leaking or bursting.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – A TIA causes the same symptoms as a stroke, but the symptoms go away quickly and do not cause lasting damage to the brain. TIAs still need to be treated right away. They are also a sign that you are at higher risk for a stroke.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
A stroke's symptoms may differ based on the part of the brain involved. Symptoms often happen suddenly. One easy way for adults and children to remember the main warning signs of a stroke is by remembering the term "BE FAST":
"BE FAST" symptoms of a stroke:
B – Balance: Dizziness, sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
E – Eyes: Trouble seeing or a sudden change in vision
F – Face: Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, or the face or eyelid drooping on one side.
A - Arms. Signs are weakness or numbness in an arm. This happens suddenly and usually on one side of the body.
S – Speech: Sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding what people say.
T – Time: Time to call emergency services. Write down what time symptoms started.
A stroke may be happening even if only one "BE FAST" symptom is present.
Other less common signs of a stroke include:
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizure
What to do if you suspect a stroke:
Teach children not to hesitate if they suspect someone they love is having a stroke. The most important component of stroke treatment is time. Quick and accurate diagnosis of the type of stroke and exact location of its damage is critical. Disabilities can be prevented or limited if the patient is seen as soon as possible in an emergency room.
Be sure children understand the importance of calling 911 instead of letting the adult suspected of having a stroke drive or care for themselves.
Teach children these key steps for a suspected stroke:
- Never wait to take action
- Call 9-1-1 at ANY sign of a stroke
- Wait for the ambulance with them
- Do not give them anything to eat or drink – this includes not giving them aspirin
- Help the person lie down on their side with their head slightly elevated
"I'm very proud of her. This brings the biggest smile to my face," adds Burke-Jennings. "Never underestimate kids. They remember everything."
Stroke Education Toolkit Available
Sentara Health offers a free online Stroke Education Toolkit for Elementary and Middle School Students. It includes a video, presentation and handouts for teachers, after-school providers, church groups or anyone interested in learning how to educate students about the nervous system and stroke.
Download the Stroke Education Toolkit
By: Amy Sandoval