May is Stroke Awareness Month, and according to the American Stroke Association, using the simple F.A.S.T. checklist is the quickest way to determine if someone is in need or urgent medical care. Knowing the signs and getting the stroke victim to immediate care is the best way to save a life.
F is for Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
A is for Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S is for Speech
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or understand you? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The sky is blue.”
T is for Time to Call 911
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately. Also, note the time so you’ll be able to tell hospital staff when the symptoms first appeared.
Other Stroke Symptoms
Watch for Sudden:
- NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
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