Stroke Symptoms
When it comes to stroke, act F.A.S.T.
THINK YOU ARE HAVING A STROKE? CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 911 for help right away.
What F.A.S.T. Stands For
Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
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? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 911
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.
Other Symptoms You Should Know
Other symptoms of stroke include:
- Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
The Importance of Calling 911
Why Call 911?
- When a stroke occurs, 1.9 million brain cells die per minute. There is no time to waste.
- The fastest way to the hospital is by ambulance.
- The EMTs will call ahead and alert the Emergency Department of your arrival so everything is ready when you arrive.
- Responding quickly will allow you to benefit from clot-busting medication - tPA - Tissue Plasminogen Activator, a medication that can actually break up the clot that is blocking the blood vessel.
- This treatment must be started soon after symptom onset – NOTE TIME OF SYMPTOM ONSET and call 911 and come to the Mercy Medical Center Emergency Department.
IMPORTANT – CHECK THE TIME SO YOU WILL KNOW WHEN SYMPTOMS APPEAR
