The month of May is the National Stroke Awareness Month. It is a good time of year to review what the signs of a stroke are. According to the American Heart Association, in the United States, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of strokes may be preventable. Not only are there prevention steps you can take, but it is also important to act on symptoms of a stroke immediately. Symptoms of a stroke are treatable. Getting treatment quickly can reduce the long-term effects of a stroke. There are different courses of treatment for a stroke depending on the cause of the stroke. Strokes are more common in adults over the age of 65 but they can occur at any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of those hospitalized for a stroke, 34 percent were under the age of 65. Here is a look at the warning signs of a stroke:
When someone is having a stroke, the stroke symptoms can be recognized through the acronym F.A.S.T.
- Facial drooping (one side of the face may droop or be numb)
- Arm weakness (unable to hold one arm up or it may be weak or numb)
- Speech difficulty (unable to talk or has slurred speech)
- Time to dial 9-1-1 (call immediately and give details)
Additional symptoms of a stroke can include the following when they onset suddenly:
- Confusion
- Trouble seeing
- Trouble walking
- Severe headache
- Numbness on one side of the body or in face, arm or leg
If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or in someone you may be caring for, contact emergency services immediately. If you have questions about your health related to a stroke, contact your healthcare provider. Help spread the word about Stroke Awareness month with this information.
Information was sourced from the American Heart Association and the CDC:
https://www.strokeassociation.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms/learn-more-stroke-warning-signs-and-symptoms
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm
