Don't Miss the Sudden Signs of Stroke

A stroke is an emergency situation where every minute counts. Quick treatment can significantly reduce the amount of brain damage that a stroke can cause.

Do you know the signs of stroke?

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly limited to one side of the body

• Sudden confusion, impaired speech, or difficulty understanding others

• Sudden vision difficulty in one or both eyes

• Sudden problems with walking, perhaps dizziness and loss of balance, or a lack of coordination

• A sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Since the most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the initial symptoms, it’s critical to act fast and get to the hospital immediately.

If you think someone might be having a stroke, you can act F.A.S.T. with this simple test:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time: If you observe any of these signs, immediately call 9-1-1.

It’s imperative to take note of the time when any symptoms first appear. Never drive to the hospital or let someone else drive a person who may be having a stroke. Instead, always call for an ambulance, because the paramedics will begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.