The summer heat can increase the risk of dehydration as the body struggles to regulate its internal core temperature. Along with the major risks associated with dehydration, low blood pressure, and fainting are also a possibility. However, if you happen to collapse or witness someone collapsing, then you need to make sure that you know the difference between a stroke and actual fainting due to some other cause. This is essential, as fainting due to a biological cause can be reversed with the right medical treatment, but when it is due to a stroke, the time factor is crucial. The delay in getting timely medical treatment can cause irreversible biological damage with long-term health implications. 

From loss of mobility to speech impediment, knowing how to administer the right first aid and take necessary medical action is key to controlling the fallout. Normal fainting can also result in bodily harm as the brain loses consciousness, while a stroke needs life-saving treatment to control the damage. This is especially true for the elderly population, as they are vulnerable to fainting due to heat stress, as well as stroke risk due to their decline in health.

Why Stroke Cases Can Be Missed In Elderly Adults

The research published in The Lancet journal confirms that elderly adults need to be vigilant of their stroke risk, as the mortality risk is high. The symptoms right before fainting may appear suddenly, so family members and those around the patient need to react in a timely manner. If you notice an elderly individual possibly fainting due to weakness, do not assume it is due to heat exhaustion.

The Science and Information to Reduce Heat Risk organisation has flagged that elderly people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion. While stroke risk is also significant, as per the Lancet journal, where the elderly can suffer from death or disability, signs of a stroke are often missed.

Fainting vs Stroke: What Is the Difference?

Understanding the difference between fainting and stroke lies in the biological factors that cause it. The treatment and recovery period also vary, along with the first aid that is needed to control the fallout after a fainting spell or a stroke, depending on the severity.

Fainting

When a fainting spell affects an individual, that person can experience a temporary loss of consciousness as the brain is unable to function. A blackout can happen, which can shut down the brain, but the duration between the fainting spell and regaining consciousness is short. Possible causes behind fainting can be dehydration, heat, and low blood sugar, which can biologically shut down the brain's consciousness.

Stroke

When someone is suffering from a stroke, the severity of it can vary depending on genetic factors and environmental triggers. The recovery also varies along with the medical treatment options. A stroke happens when blood flow to a particular part of the brain is blocked or disrupted. The symptoms of a stroke, such as slurred speech, drooping of the sides of the mouth, muscle spasms, and seizures, can last for a while before the individual loses consciousness.

A stroke can cause permanent brain damage if left untreated, and the signs of the disease need to be known to act in a timely manner.

Also Read: Panic Attack vs Heart Attack: How To Tell The Critical Difference When Every Second Counts

Signs It May Be Fainting Instead Of A Stroke

The signs of a normal fainting spell can be:

  • Dizziness beforehand as your brain is struggling to establish control.
  • Sweating as the heartbeat is becoming faster.
  • Pale skin as the blood flow is becoming restricted.
  • Tunnel vision is possible, which should be a sign to sit down.
  • Quick recovery after lying down is a positive sign, but medical consultation should still be a priority.
  • Triggered by heat exposure or dehydration, which are common in the elderly population, as heat stress tends to override the system.

Signs It Could Be A Stroke

Stroke symptoms should be known by every individual, as you could experience them yourself, notice someone going through it, and offer help. Acting quickly is necessary, as a stroke can cause permanent damage if the medical treatment is delayed. Families and caretakers should notice the following signs and dial the emergency helpline number as they notice them:

  • Sudden facial drooping occurs when the oxygen supply to a part of the brain is blocked.
  • Slurred speech occurs as the brain's speech-making centre isn't getting the oxygen supply it needs.
  • One-sided weakness where a part of the body becomes numb, and you become unable to use your limbs on that side.
  • Sudden confusion is a sign that the brain is not alert and is struggling to collect its thoughts.
  • Vision loss is also possible, as the optic nerve can't get the signal it needs to open.
  • Difficulty walking is another sign of a stroke, as your brain is not communicating with your nervous system.
  • Severe dizziness is a symptom, as the balance is maintained by the internal functioning.
  • A sudden, severe headache is another sign that you need to seek immediate help from someone.

Also Read: What Happens When Blood Volume Drops? Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

The 60-Second FAST Test That Can Save A Life

The 60-second FAST test can help you effectively distinguish between fainting and a stroke. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, then you need to tell them to do the following:

F - Face

Ask the person to smile and notice if there is any drooping on one side of the face. If there is dropping, then it is most probably a stroke, and you need to dial the emergency helpline.

A - Arms

Make the person raise both of their arms, and if the person is unable to raise both arms, then a medical emergency may happen. When a stroke hits, one arm can drift downwards, which means that the communication between the nervous system and the brain is affected.

S - Speech

Ask the individual to repeat a simple sentence and notice if they are able to repeat it verbatim. If you notice any slurred speech while they are doing so, or if they are unable to open their mouth or speak clearly, then a stroke is underway.

T - Time

If any of the above signs are present, then you need to call emergency services immediately.

Also Read: What Happens When Blood Volume Drops? Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Why Summer Heat Raises Stroke Risk In Seniors

Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology confirms that seniors face a higher risk of stroke. This is because of multiple factors that can be attributed to heat and pre-existing medical conditions:

Factors such as:

  • Dehydration
  • Reduced blood circulation
  • Blood thickening
  • Existing hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Heat stress

All of these factors can push an elderly person to faint due to a stroke. Elderly people who fall under the abovementioned categories need to keep an emergency plan in place to make sure that someone can reach them for help when they need it.

What To Do If An Elderly Person Suddenly Collapses

Knowing what to do if an elderly person suddenly collapses is essential to make sure the individual can medically recover from it.

1. Check responsiveness by checking the pulse, heart rate, and breathing.

2. Perform the FAST test as mentioned above.

3. Note the symptom onset time to communicate it to the emergency personnel so that an accurate picture of the patient's medical event can be communicated.

4. Call emergency services, as medical treatment is necessary.

5. Do not give food or water if a stroke is suspected, as it can cause choking.

6. Keep the individual cool and comfortable until emergency medical help arrives.

Who Is At Highest Risk?

The people who are at higher risk of a stroke or fainting due to heat stress can be those who are under the categories of

  • Adults over 60 have weaker systems.
  • Hypertension patients, as they happen to experience fluctuations in their blood pressure.
  • Diabetics, as their blood sugar goes up and down, can put stress on their bodies internally.
  • Heart disease patients who have weak heart muscles.
  • Smokers, as their lungs are damaged, have a limited oxygen supply.
  • Previous stroke survivors, as internal damage is present, which can contribute to future strokes.

When To Rush To The Hospital Immediately

If you notice someone fainting and notice these signs before it happens, then you need to rush to a hospital for treatment:

  • Facial drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Sudden confusion
  • Vision changes
  • Loss of coordination
  • Collapse without recovery

When it comes to fainting or a stroke, knowing how to act in a medical emergency is necessary.



Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.