When identifying a stroke, it is important to act F.A.S.T.
The American Stroke Association has developed the following tool to recognise a stroke quickly and to be able to call for medical help immediately in case of an emergency.
- F- Face. Is one side of the person’s face drooping? When they smile, is it uneven?
- A-Arm. Is the person experiencing weakness or numbness in their arms? When they raise their arms, does one arm drift downward?
- S- Speech. Is the person’s speech suddenly slurred or hard to understand? Are they unable to speak? Can they repeat a simple sentence?
- T- Time. If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Potential symptoms of a stroke
Symptoms of a stroke will seem unusual and come on very suddenly. The following are more sudden, unexplained warning signs of stroke to look for:
- Numbness or weakness on one side of your face, arm or leg
- Problems in vision
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Confusion
- Problems speaking or understanding others
- A severe headache
In the event of a stroke, act with haste. Notify an emergency doctor immediately and dial 911 or your local emergency number. The sooner treatment is sought, the better chance of survival.
If you or a loved one have suffered from a recent stroke event, contact CBC Health here.
