May is World Stroke Month. One of the easiest ways to tell is someone is having a stroke is to remember the word FAST. By knowing the word, you will know the symptoms of stroke and how to respond quickly to help save a life.
Face – By asking the person to smile you can tell immediately if one side of the face droops.
Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Observe to see if one arm drifts lower than the other.
Speech – Slurred speech is a symptom of stroke. Ask the person to repeat a single sentence.
Time – Call 911-Fast. Time may be the difference between life and death or even partial and full recovery.
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.
Anyone can have a stroke, not just the elderly. By knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can help save someone’s life.