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.