When treating a stroke, every second counts. Early detection of symptoms not only improves the chances of survival but also reduces the risk of long-term disability.
In this article, we explore why it is so important to know the signs of a stroke and how your quick action can save lives.
In a life-threatening “every second counts” emergency, a stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to di3 within minutes.
Strokes are one of the most common causes of disability and often result in problems with speech, movement, and cognitive function. However, timely treatment can minimize these effects: the sooner blood flow to the brain is restored, the less damage occurs.
This is why it is so important to recognize the symptoms and act quickly.
Act FAST
The Mayo Clinic recommends using the FAST method to identify the most common stroke symptoms:
- F – Face: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile and check if it looks uneven.
- A – Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
- S – Speech: Is speech slurred, garbled, or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.”
- T – Time to call 911: If you observe any of these signs, even if they go away, call for emergency help immediately.
Other warning signs
While the FAST symptoms are most common, other signs may also indicate a stroke:
- Sudden confusion: Trouble understanding or speaking.
- Vision problems: Blurred, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Severe headache: A sudden, intense headache, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
- Dizziness or loss of balance: Difficulty walking, lack of coordination, or sudden falls.
- Numbness or weakness: Sudden weakness, especially on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg.
Prevention tips
- Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Control diabetes and other chronic conditions.
- Stay informed about your family history and your risk factors.
