If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, it is important to act quickly. The sooner you get medical help, the better your chances of recovery. The acronym FAST can help you remember the signs of a stroke:
Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or be numb.
Arm weakness: Raise both arms, one arm may be weak or numb.
Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred or garbled.
Time to call 911: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Early treatment can help to prevent serious brain damage and disability.
If you think you or someone you know is having a stroke, call 911 immediately.
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. This can damage or destroy brain cells, leading to a range of symptoms, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, and problems with thinking and memory. Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability. Every year, about 795,000 people have a stroke, and about 140,000 people die from a stroke.
The good news is that stroke is often preventable. By controlling your risk factors and knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke, you can help to save your life or the life of someone you love.
There are many things that can increase your risk of stroke, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. If you have any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
Here are some additional tips for spotting a stroke:
Sudden confusion: A person may have trouble understanding what is being said to them or they may have trouble speaking themselves.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes: Vision may be blurry, or one eye may be completely closed.
Sudden trouble walking: A person may have trouble walking or they may suddenly fall down.
Sudden severe headache: A headache that is different from any headache the person has had before.
Sunset Shore’s role is to encourage and monitor overall wellbeing of our participants. We remind families, as needed, and offer support coordinating necessary medical appointments.