Time is the enemy when a stroke occurs. The longer treatment is delayed, the higher the risk permanent brain damage can occur.
The National Stroke Association urges you to act FAST when you suspect someone’s suffered a stroke so they can get treatment quickly. Here are the signs to look for:
F, as in face: Facial droop; uneven smile. Paralysis or limited movement on one side of the face.
A, as in arms: Arm numbness; arm weakness. Can also affect the legs on one side of the body.
S, as in speech: Slurred speech; inability to speak or using the wrong words in response to a question.
T, as in time: Call 911 immediately and let the dispatcher know you suspect a stroke.
When you call, the stroke association advises, note the time the symptoms started. Most strokes happen because a blood clot is blocking an artery that carries blood to the brain. The medications that can break up the clot and let blood flow freely again have a limited window of time when they’re effective.
Other stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden trouble understanding others; sudden vision problems, including blindness in one or both eye; sudden loss of balance or coordination; sudden dizziness; and a sudden severe headache with no apparent cause.
To learn about the various types of stroke and their treatment options, as well as post stroke care and prevention, join St. Elizabeth Healthcare and Mayo Clinic for a free seminar on Tuesday, October 28.
If you or someone you know has suffered a stroke there are support groups available.
