Depression and Stroke

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Most of us have had the experience of caring for someone who has suffered a “stroke” or “CVA.” The outcomes can be catastrophic, leaving the patient with debilitating symptoms such as paralysis, loss of speech, inability to walk, etc. which can lead to depression. However, in a recent study published in Neurology, researchers found that depressive symptoms increased slightly BEFORE a stroke, perhaps indicating an incipient stroke. Although about 30% of stroke survivors might suffer depression at any time after an acute event, little is known about how changes in depressive symptoms unfold BEFORE a stroke. Being alert to long-term, precursors to stroke is important but symptoms may be caused by something else or missed altogether. 

If you think about the number of residents living in our centers who have symptoms of depression, might it be a prudent idea to be alert to early warning signs of a stroke? If you don’t remember them, it might be time to refresh your memory: 

  • Paralysis or numbness or inability to move parts of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body 
  • Confusion, including trouble with speaking 
  • Headache with vomiting 
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes 
  • Metallic taste in mouth 
  • Difficulty in swallowing 
  • Trouble in walking (impaired coordination) 
  • Dystonia (unintentional, sustained, muscle contractions) 
  • Alexia (inability to interpret or comprehend written language) 
  • Agnosia (loss of the ability to identify objects using one or more senses) 

Although these are all important symptoms to be alert to, one of the most accurate tests that pretty much anyone can do is the “Smile Test.” It is used to check for one-sided facial weakness, a classic sign of stroke. With the “Smile Test,” you can react quickly and possibly prevent long-term, negative outcomes.  

Consider training your staff on this simple, easy to do test. Start with asking the person to “smile,” be observant to weakness/drooping on one side of the face which is a heralding sign of stroke. Educate them on the importance of reacting quickly, not waiting, and of course, call 911 if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Remember, seconds count when someone is having a stroke, you can’t waste precious minutes, train your staff to act “FAST,” it could be the difference between life and death! Stay well and stay informed!