Stats on Strokes:
According to the Internet Stroke Center, stroke is the third leading
cause of death in the United States. More than 140,000 people die each
year from stroke in the United States. Stroke is the leading cause of
serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year,
approximately 795,000 people suffer a stroke.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a sudden interruption in the blood supply of the brain.
Because stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, stroke
is also called a brain attack. The effects of a stroke depend on which
part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured. Strokes
may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with
speaking, seeing, or walking. Since different parts of the brain
control different areas and functions, it is usually the area
immediately surrounding the stroke that is affected. Sometimes people
with stroke have a headache, but stroke can also be completely
painless.
The FAST Way to Remember
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When
you can spot the signs, you’ll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for
help right away. F.A.S.T. is:
F is for Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it
numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s 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 Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable
to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple
sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T is for Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms,
even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the
hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first
symptoms appeared.
Know the Signs of Stroke
F.A.S.T. provides an easy way to help you remember, because knowing
the warning signs of stroke and controlling stroke’s risk factors can
lower your risk of death or disability. If you suffer a stroke, you
may not realize it at first. The people around you might not know it,
either. Your family, friends, or neighbors may think you are unaware
or confused. 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.
Warning signs are clues your body sends to tell you that your brain is
not receiving enough oxygen. The most common sign of stroke is sudden
weakness of the face, arm or leg, most often on one side of the body.
Other signs include:
•sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on
one side of the body
•sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
•sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
•sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
•sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Other danger signs that may occur include double vision, drowsiness,
and nausea or vomiting.
Why It’s Important To Act Fast
Stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute counts when someone is
having a stroke. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the
greater the damage. Immediate treatment can save people’s lives and
enhance their chances for successful recovery.
Ischemic strokes, the most common type of strokes, can be treated with
a drug called t-PA that dissolves blood clots obstructing blood flow
to the brain. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke
patients is three hours, but to be evaluated and receive treatment,
patients need to get to the hospital within 60 minutes.
What Should You Do?
Don’t wait for the symptoms of stroke to improve or worsen. If you
believe you are having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Making the
decision to call for medical help can make the difference in avoiding
a lifelong disability and in greatly improving your chances for
recovery.
If you observe someone having a stroke – if he or she suddenly loses
the ability to speak, or move an arm or leg on one side, or
experiences facial paralysis on one side – call 911 immediately.