This occurs when a portion of the brain is starved of oxygen due to a burst blood vessel or a clot blocking a blood vessel. This starving of oxygen will cause damage to the brain the long term effects are dependent on were the episode occurs in the brain and how much tissue is affected.
- Recognition
- Sudden and severe headache
- Confusion, emotional instability
- A deterioration in the level of consciousness (sudden or progressive)
- Sign of weakness or paralysis usually affecting one side of the body
- Slurring or loss of speech
- Unequal pupils
- Possible loss of bladder control
If the casualty is conscious lay them down keeping the head and shoulders raised and turn the head to one side if they are dribbling, to make them more comfortable place an absorbent pad/towel under the chin. An ambulance will need to be called and whilst waiting tight clothing should be loosened and response level, breathing and pulse monitored. If unconscious then the individual needs to be placed into the recovery position and preparation made to resuscitate if necessary.
