World Stroke Day: Recognizing a Stroke and Acting F.A.S.T.
10/26/2022
October 29th is World Stroke Day. This day serves as
a reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke
while raising awareness and support for the more than 795,000 people that suffer a stroke every year in the United States.
A stroke occurs when blood flow containing oxygen and nutrients to
the brain is blocked, killing the brain cells that affect a person’s ability to
move, speak, eat, think, and control other vital body functions.
Although strokes are more common in individuals with
high blood pressure, they can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. It's
vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in oneself or someone
else.
The most common signs of a stroke include numbness or weakness in the face or extremities,
mostly on one side of the body; impaired vision in one or both eyes; difficulty
walking, dizziness, loss of balance, sudden headache, confusion, or difficulty
talking or understanding.
“Once people start showing signs of a stroke,
immediate action is crucial,” says Aspirus Neurologist, Dr. Fawzi Hindi. “The
amount of time that the
brain does not receive oxygen determines the extent of the brain damage. The sooner a stroke is diagnosed, the more
quickly stroke treatment can begin. Early diagnosis means a greater chance of surviving and
avoiding long-term brain damage.”
Although stroke
is a leading cause of death for Americans, only 38 percent were aware of all major symptoms and knew to call 9-1-1
when someone was having a stroke.
If a stroke is suspected, every second counts.
Following the acronym test, F.A.S.T. can help individuals recognize a stroke.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the
speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
“Because a
stroke injures the brain, you may not realize that you are having a stroke. The
people around you might not know it either. You may not be able to call 911 on
your own. That's why everyone should know the signs of stroke - and know how to
act fast,” says Dr. Hindi.
When responding to a stroke:
Note the time when any symptoms first
appear. This information helps
health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.
Do not drive or be driven to the
hospital. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so
that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the
emergency room.
Don't wait for the symptoms to
improve or worsen. If an individual’s
suspects they may be having a stroke or experience stroke like symptoms call
911 immediately.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/stroke/about.htm.
Aspirus Health provides emergency
stroke care system-wide at all Aspirus hospitals, with Aspirus Langlade
Hospital, Aspirus Medford Hospital, and Aspirus Riverview Hospital receiving
Advanced Certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital by The Joint Commission
and Aspirus Wausau Hospital Certified as a Primary Stroke Center.
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