Nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke each year in the U.S. That’s about one stroke every 40 seconds. (1) Not everyone dies from a stroke, but the physical damage caused by a stroke can be devastating.
What are the signs and symptoms of stroke?
Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke can ensure you or your loved one gets immediate medical attention. The quicker you get treatment, the better chances you have for recovery.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list the following common signs of stroke in both men and women:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause (2)
Get help F.A.S.T
There’s a great acronym to help you remember what to do if you’re experiencing what you think might be a stroke.
F.
FACE: Is your face drooping on one side or the other? Is it numb? If your smile is suddenly uneven or lopsided, it could be a sign of stroke.
A.
ARM WEAKNESS: Does your arm feel weak or numb? If you try to lift both arms, does one arm seem to drift down?
S.
SPEECH: Is it difficult to speak. Are you suddenly slurring your words?
T.
TIME: Hurry and call 9-1-1. You may only have three hours to receive medicine that can help. After that timeframe, the effectiveness drops. So time is of the essence.
The CDC has a great video on recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke:
If you have questions
If you have questions or concerns about stroke, talk to your healthcare provider here at Horizon Family Medical Group. We’re here to help. If you think you might be experiencing a stroke, don’t wait, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Resources:
- http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/recognizing-stroke
- https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm