Know the Signs of a Stroke

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in adults in the U.S. Stroke takes the lives of approximately 130,000 Americans each year and on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes. These are startling statistics, but by acting FAST, at the first sign of stroke, you can greatly increase your chance of survival.

Time = Brain: Call 9-1-1

You may have heard the FAST acronym for stroke symptoms (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1).

That last one is most important: Call 9-1-1 to go to the hospital. The best indicator in treating a stroke effectively is time—how fast doctors are able to start treatment. The faster you begin treatment, the less damage to your brain. Calling an ambulance means that EMTs can assess you at home and take you to the right hospital for stroke care. They can alert the stroke team to be ready to continue testing and start treatment.

Strokes deprive parts of your brain of blood and oxygen, which kills brain cells. A 2005 study quantified it: For each minute a stroke is not treated, a patient loses 1.9 million neurons. A stroke patient is not someone overreacting or making a fuss. They need treatment. Now. Call 9-1-1.

If someone is having a stroke, think and act F-A-S-T:

• F-Face: Watch for facial drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if one side of the face droops.
• A-Arms: Is their arm weak? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S-Speech: Look out for slurred speech. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase, such as: “The sky is blue.” Can he or she do it?
• T-Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Even if the symptoms go away, still call for help.

Be sure to note the time that symptoms first appeared. And don’t try to drive yourself or a loved one to a hospital. Call for an ambulance so treatment can begin immediately.