Stroke: Act F.A.S.T.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. It occurs when the brain is cut off from vital blood flow and oxygen. According to the National Stroke Association, 137,000 people in the US die each year and it is the leading cause of long-term adult disability.
Strokes act fast, killing off 2 million brain cells each minute one occurs. You can help 'Save a Life', however, and potentially lessen the degree of disability by learning the signs of stroke and Acting F.A.S.T.!
F - Face: Ask the person to smile. Does the face droop on one side?
A - Arm: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one of the arms drift downwards?
S - Speech: After repeating a simple phrase, does the persons speech sound slurred or strange?
T - Time: If any or all of the above are observed call for 9-1-1 (if in US or 999 in UK) and ask for medical assistance.
Additional symptoms may include:
SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body.
SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause