Stroke Signs: Recognize the Symptoms and Act Fast

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Recognizing the early signs of stroke is crucial for prompt treatment and can significantly improve outcomes.

Common Signs of Stroke

The most widely known stroke symptoms can be remembered with the acronym FAST:

F — Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile to check for unevenness.
A — Arm Weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one drifts downward.
S — Speech Difficulty: Speech may be slurred, or the person may have trouble speaking or understanding. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
T — Time to Call 911: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.

Other Stroke Symptoms

In addition to FAST, be aware of:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg, arm, or face, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Types of Stroke

Understanding stroke types can help in recognizing symptoms:

Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain. It accounts for about 87% of strokes.
Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in or around the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” causes temporary stroke-like symptoms that resolve quickly but signal a high risk of full stroke.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Rapid treatment can reduce brain damage and improve recovery chances. Treatments like clot-busting drugs are most effective when administered within hours of symptom onset. Recognizing stroke signs early and seeking immediate medical help can be lifesaving.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase stroke risk, including:

High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of stroke

📌 Bottom Line: Knowing the signs of stroke and acting fast can save lives and reduce disability. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately.

📚 Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Stroke Association.

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