You must act F.A.S.T.
April 19th 2011 08:23
According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disabilities in adults.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a clot or bursts and doesn’t allow blood and oxygen to get to the brain. The most common type of stroke is an ischemic stroke that is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel or an artery in the brain. A second type is known as a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by a blood vessel in the brain that breaks then bleeds into the brain.
Strokes can affect the body in many ways, including paralysis and problems with thinking, speaking and swallowing. Where the stroke occurs in the brain will determine which body functions will be affected. For example, strokes on the right side of the brain will cause paralysis on the left side of the body, vision problems, behavioral problems and memory loss. In left-side brain strokes, the right side of the body will be affected with paralysis of the right side, speech and language problems and memory loss. The effects of the stroke will depend on the severity of the obstruction to the affected brain tissue.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke to act quickly. Stroke symptoms include a sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially if it occurs on only one side of the body. A stroke victim may appear confused, have trouble speaking or understanding, or complain of a sudden, severe headache. They may also have trouble with vision in one or both eyes, and complain of being dizzy with a loss of balance and coordination.
Remember F.A.C.E
F stands for FACE: Ask the person to smile. This will show if the face droops on one side.
A stands for ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. You are looking to see if one arm drifts downward.
S stands for SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. This will determine any slurring or strange speech.
T stands for TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!
If stroke symptoms are recognized soon enough, clot-busting medications may be given which can reduce long-term disability from the most common strokes.
Administering these clot dissolving agents is done in an emergency department through an intravenous line.
Recognizing stroke symptoms as FAST as possible at the first symptoms and call 9-1-1 can save a life. For more information, please visit Really Long Link or call (888) 359-3552 to speak to a Registered Nurse or learn about upcoming events and screenings about stroke prevention.
Talking Health, written by Blake Medical Center staff, runs every other week in Healthy Living. Terry Doire is a Registered Nurse with more than 30 years experience. She is presently the Outreach Coordinator for Acute Care Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Blake Medical Center. For more information, call (941) 798-6540 or email Alexandria.French@hcahealthca re.com.
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