Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Remember the acronym FAST to help identify the common signs of a stroke:
F: Face Drooping
- One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven or lopsided?
A: Arm Weakness
- One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech Difficulty
- Speech may be slurred or difficult to understand. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech strange or garbled?
T: Time to Call Emergency Services
- If you observe any of these signs, it's time to call emergency services (911 in the United States or your local emergency number) immediately. Time is critical; every minute counts!
Additional Warning Signs of a Stroke
In addition to FAST, other warning signs and symptoms of a stroke may include:
- Sudden Weakness or Numbness: Especially on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg.
- Confusion: Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or difficulty speaking or comprehending language.
- Vision Problems: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, such as blurred or double vision.
- Dizziness or Loss of Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
- Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache with no known cause, often described as the worst headache of one's life.
Remember "BE FAST" for Additional Symptoms
- B: Balance difficulties
- E: Eyesight changes
- F: Face drooping
- A: Arm weakness
- S: Speech difficulty
- T: Time to call emergency services
If you or someone else experiences any of these warning signs or symptoms of a stroke, do not wait for them to go away. Act quickly and call emergency services immediately. Early intervention can minimize damage to the brain and improve the chances of recovery. Time lost is brain lost!
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