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How to Recognize a Stroke: The FAST Test Explained

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Recognizing a Stroke: The FAST Test

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or a blood vessel bursting (hemorrhagic stroke). Strokes are a medical emergency. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives.

The FAST test is a simple acronym that helps you remember the most common signs of a stroke:

  • Facial Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the mouth droop?
  • Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is their speech unclear or jumbled?
  • Time to Call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Time is crucial in treating a stroke. The sooner a stroke is treated, the less damage to the brain.

What Happens During a Stroke?

When a stroke occurs, the part of the brain that is deprived of oxygen starts to die. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the area of the brain affected. Some common symptoms include:

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

Risk Factors for Stroke

There are many risk factors that can increase your chances of having a stroke. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Family history of stroke
  • Heart disease
  • Age (risk increases with age)

Preventing Stroke

You can take steps to lower your risk of stroke by:

  • Controlling your blood pressure
  • Lowering your cholesterol
  • Managing diabetes
  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Getting regular exercise

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can make a big difference in the outcome. If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Every minute counts.

Stroke Awareness