Why Recognizing These 4 Simple Signs Can Save a Stroke Victim’s Life
By admin on Mar 13, 2008 in Health
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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Tags: Health, signs of a stroke, stroke, stroke symptons
12 Comment(s)
By Brennan Kingsland on Mar 15, 2008 | Reply
There are new billboards in our area that are educating quickly. They refer to strokes as ‘brain attacks’, and state “With a stroke, time lost is brain lost!” People need to learn to take quick action, rather than wondering IF there is a problem, or IF they should ignore symptoms, or IF the situation is hopeless. Excellent article!
Brennan Kingsland’s last blog post..Teens, STDs & Consequences
By Remi on Mar 16, 2008 | Reply
An informative read. Although, it baffles my mind that in 2008 the writer (still) uses male-gender language to refer to a would-be stroke victim.
By DrKNutrition on Dec 19, 2008 | Reply
Great article. Only thing I would add is that most of what the article is describing is known as a TIA or transient ischemic attack. Basically a small stroke which often times is a precursor to a much more serious stroke. Severe strokes often times leave people in a wheel chair with permanent paralysis.
DrKNutritions last blog post..Popular Diets – Sham or Real? The Sugar Busters Diet
By Mobiles NZ on Jan 1, 2009 | Reply
I’d also like to add, if there’s any doubt…just take them to the hospital.
By Christina on Jan 6, 2009 | Reply
I was wondering if “the five other stroke symptoms” had to happen all at the same time? Or over a period of time? As well as is there a certain age on which a stroke can happen or can it happen to any age group?
This in formation is kind of important for me to obtain please contact me at prospers_mom@hotmail.com..
By Giochi Pc on Feb 10, 2009 | Reply
This was very sad cause i thinked about my father died with a stroke
… Anyway, thanks for this informations, they could help saving a life 
By admin on Feb 11, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for sharing with us, Giochi.
Strokes run in my family too and that’s one of the reasons we all need to be aware of the warning signs.
-Alice
By Sean C on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
This is great info!
By Custom T-shirts on Oct 23, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for the great article. Here in Australia the stroke foundation is really raising awaremess of stroke symptons. Think “F.A.S.T” is their new campign to recognise the areas of a potential stroke. F= Face, A = arms, S = Speech, T = time!
By medical seo on Nov 3, 2009 | Reply
Are there certain types of diseases or cancers that increase the likelihood of having a stroke?
By Pat @ anti aging skin products on Dec 3, 2009 | Reply
This is a very useful post with the short memomic FAST. Health authorities should be encouraged to use FAST in their publicity. Australia and USA seem more proactive than we are in the UK.
.-= Pat @ anti aging skin products´s last blog ..Is it worthwhile considering a cheaper product? =-.
By "Joann@pressurewashinglosangeles" on Jan 10, 2010 | Reply
Everyone should be taught these signs of stroke in elementary school. It’s so important to recognize the symptoms. My aunt just had a stroke about a month ago. She is recovering, but now she cannot walk. Our family is praying for her recovery.