How can I tell if someone is having a stroke?
A severe stroke may cause headache, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, and sudden or gradual loss of consciousness. One side of the person’s face, or the limbs on one side of his body may become weak or paralysed. In a mild attack, the patient may simply appear to falter and go momentarily blank.
What should I do to help?
Call a doctor or ambulance immediately. Meanwhile, make sure that the person is breathing- If not, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Remove dentures or any other obstruction that may block breathing, and check that the patient has not injured himself in the fall. Leave him where he has fallen but slip a pillow or cushion under his head. If he is unconscious, or loses consciousness later, place him in the coma position. Do not give him anything to eat or drink. Loosen any tight clothing, cover him with a coat or blanket, and keep a careful watch on his breathing until medical help arrives.