According to the CDC every 3.5 minutes someone dies of a stroke, making it the 5 leading cause of death. If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it’s important to act quickly. One effective way to recognize the signs of a stroke is to remember the acronym F.A.S.T.
If you suspect someone is having a stoke, act quickly. Think F.A.S.T. to determine if a stroke is happening and what the next step is.
Think F.A.S.T.
F. Facial Drooping
Ask the person to smile and check if one side of their face droops or appears uneven. Three spots you may see drooping the best are the eyes, mouth, and cheeks.
A. Arm Weakness
Have the person to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts downwards or is weaker than the other. They may also experience numbness throughout their extremities, specifically the arm(s).
S. Speech Difficulty
Find out if the person is able to speak by having them repeat a simple phrase. Is it slurred, strange, or difficult to understand?
T. TIME TO CALL 911
If the person shows any of these symptoms, call for emergency medical services and get them to the hospital immediately.
Remembering F.A.S.T. can help you quickly recognize the signs of a stroke and get the person the medical attention they need. In addition to F.A.S.T., there are other symptoms that can indicate a stroke, such as sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, sudden difficulty seeing, and sudden severe headache.
If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, it’s important to act quickly and call emergency services right away. Treatment for a stroke is most effective when given within a few hours of the onset of symptoms. This can include medication to dissolve blood clots or surgery to remove them. With timely treatment, many people are able to recover from a stroke and minimize the risk of long-term problems.
If you or your loved one is struggling with day-to-day activities and you’re looking for some assistance, reach out to Miracle Home Care! Whether due to aging, medical problems, or recovering, we are able to help. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers offer help with household chores, dressing, hygiene, meal prep, and more. Call Miracle Home Care at 316-448-2614 for more information and to schedule your FREE in home consultation today!
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