According to the Stroke Center, 795,000 people suffer from a stroke each year. Of that number, 140,000 are fatal and 600,000 are first attacks. These numbers are staggering and are one of the many reasons it is important to be well educated on the warning signs of a stroke. For more information on strokes and treatments available, contact CRPM today.
1. Think F.A.S.T.
The American Stroke Association created the acronym F.A.S.T. to help you remember some of the main warning signs of a stroke.
The first letter in the acronym stands for “face drooping.” When assessing a potential stroke victim, check for drooping on one side of the face by asking them to smile. From there, you can check if their smile is abnormally uneven.
The “A” in the acronym stands for “arm weakness.” If one of the arms is weak or numb, it could indicate a stroke. To access this warning sign of a stroke, ask the person to raise both of their arms. If one of their arms drifts downward or hangs lower than the other, it could be a stroke impacting the strength in their arm.
The third letter in F.A.S.T. stands for “speech.” Check for slurred speech or an inability to speak. You can test this ability by asking them to repeat a short sentence.
Finally, the “T” stands for “time to call 9-1-1.” Now that the previous warning signs have been checked, it is time to call 9-1-1 if any of the symptoms are present. It is important to note that you should still call 9-1-1 even if the symptoms disappear. Having medical professionals assess the victim will ensure that they are safe and that any other warning sign of a stroke is addressed. If there are any warning signs, then a stroke treatment may be recommended.
Contact the experts at CRPM for information on our effective stroke treatment in Orange County.
2. Numbness
While the F.A.S.T. acronym is most commonly known, there are other warning signs to be aware of, like numbness. If you or someone you know experiences sudden numbness on one side of the body, then it could be an indicator of a stroke. Look for numbness and weakness in the face, arms, or legs to properly assess this stroke symptom.
3. Impaired Vision
Another warning sign of a stroke, according to the American Stroke Association, is impaired vision. If you begin having difficulty seeing in one or both of your eyes, it could be because of a stroke. It is important to note that impaired vision could be caused by a multitude of issues, but it is better to be safe than sorry. It is worth a trip to the doctor’s office to be checked by the professionals, especially if you are experiencing this symptom in conjunction with others previously mentioned.
4. Severe Headache
Headaches can be a common occurrence for some, brought about by everyday life. However, if you experience a sudden headache with no known cause, then it may be related to a stroke.
5. Trouble Walking
Sudden difficulty walking is another warning sign of a stroke. The difficulty walking can come from dizziness, loss of coordination, numbness in the arms or legs, double vision, or inability to balance. If any of these symptoms come on suddenly, you must call 9-1-1.
Knowing the warning signs of a stroke could save your life or the life of a loved one. In addition to remembering the F.A.S.T. acronym, it is also important to be aware of numbness, impaired vision, a severe headache, and trouble walking. If a stroke does occur, then it is time to visit a top pain center in Orange County at CRPM to discuss treatment options available.
