Someone in America suffers a stroke every 40 seconds.
In addition to being one of the leading causes of serious long-term disability in senior adults, stroke is also the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced because a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel leaks or bursts. Within minutes, the nerve cells in that area of the brain are damaged, and the part of the body controlled by those cells cannot function properly.
Knowing the warning signs of a stroke can save your life. The symptoms happen suddenly, and time is critical. Treatment for a stroke can be very effective, but in most cases, medical care must be administered within the first three hours after the symptoms appear. Unfortunately, less than 40 percent of people know all the warning signs of a stroke and when to call 911. If you think someone is having a stroke, you need to make a quick check of the person’s face, arms and speech. Just remember to act F.A.S.T.
Face. A stroke usually affects only one side of the body. Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven or only on one side of the face?
Arms. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech. Ask the person to speak a simple sentence. Are the words slurred?
Time. If the answer to any of the above questions is “YES,” it’s time to take action and call 911.
Sources: CDC, American Stroke Association