If you were having a stroke, would you know? Would you recognize that someone you were with was having a stroke? The CDC, (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), recommends that everyone know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and immediately call 911 if they, or someone else, might be having a stroke.
Here are the most common signs of a stroke:
- Sudden headache with no cause
- Sudden dizziness
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden difficulty speaking and/or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden weakness of the face or in an arm or leg, especially if it is on one side of the body
- Sudden numbness of the face or in an arm or leg, especially if it is on one side of the body
- Sudden difficulty walking
- Sudden loss of balance or coordination
You don’t have to experience them all to be having a stroke. And remember that these signs may only last a short time.
Think you’ll have trouble remembering all of these? Okay, just remember to: Think FAST
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
If you or someone you are with experiences even one of these you must get help immediately. Get help even if the warning sign goes away and you return to normal. Two million brain cells can die every minute during a stroke. Fast treatment may save your life. It may mean the difference between returning to your previous independent lifestyle and requiring nursing home care, a walker or wheelchair, etc.
You don’t want to have a stroke. What can you do to prevent one? Subscribe to the “Say NO To Stroke!” newsletter and find out. You don’t want any of your family or friends to have a stroke. Tell them to subscribe. Send them to saynotostroke.com, and have them sign up.
If you do experience any of those warning signs, you could be having a stroke. Get help right away! Time saves brain cells! It may even save your life, or someone else’s.
Every Day …Say NO To Stroke!
AB Fraser, MD
