Community Corner - Strokes

The American Stroke Association wants everyone to know that May is American Stroke Month. Let’s talk about strokes!

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the Number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts (or ruptures). When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it and brain cells die.

What are the types of stroke?

Stroke can be caused either by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain (called an ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel rupturing and preventing blood flow to the brain (called a;hemorrhagic stroke). A TIA (transient ischemic attack), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary clot.

Stroke Symptoms

By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke. 

Call 911 if these signs are present:

F.A.S.T. Warning Signs

Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot a Stroke

• F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
• A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
• T = Time to call 911 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

Other Stroke Symptoms

Watch for Sudden:

• NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
• TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

The F.A.S.T. Experience

In this fun and interactive environment, you’ll learn what the warning signs of stroke might look, feel and/or sound like.

Play the games  https://www.stroke.org/en/fast-experience

For more information about strokes, stroke symptoms, outcomes, etc., visit The American Stroke Association at:

www.stroke.org

You might save a life!