700,000 strokes will be reported in the United States in 2008.  Stroke is the third leading cause of death, and often cripples victims and leaves them with disabilities. However, a small window of opportunity exists for about 80 percent of strokes but the patient must start receiving drug treatment within three hours of stroke onset.

How can you tell if your elderly parent is having a stroke?

There are four simple ways, called FAST.

F-  Face

Is the person's smile crooked?  

If it is not symmetrical you need to be concerned.

A-Arms

Can he raise both arms and keep them raised?

S-Speech

Ask him to speak a sentence.  Can he speak clearly? If he is slurring his words or you  cannot make sense of what he is saying, there is a serious problem.

T-Time

When did the trouble start? This is the most important question you will be asked once you get to the hospital.  That's because it's absolutely vital you get help before  too many oxygen starved brain  cells die.

You can  help doctors confirm 5 other stroke symptoms.

1. Sudden numbness or weakness, generally on one side of the body

2. Loss of balance and  trouble walking

3. Dizziness

4. Sudden severe headache with no known cause

5. Sudden confusion

What you should do in case of a stroke

Get the person to a hospital as quickly as possible.  It is important to know ahead of a stroke emergency which hospital is the best facility for stroke victims that gives 24-hour care.

Strokes can be devastating if not treated in time.  You can avoid paralysis and disabilities such as trouble speaking, and thinking which could affect the stroke victim for the rest of his life if you are aware of the 4 main stroke signs ahead of time.   

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