What to do?
The American Heart Association came up with the acronym FAST as a guide to quick action:
- F = Face Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven? Does one side of the face droop?
- A = Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Ask the person to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, is there a stutter?
- T = Time If you see any of these signs, time to call an ambulance.
Please note the time when the symptoms first appear. This information is crucial in deciding the right treatment.
If the symptoms go away in a few minutes, it may be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke. Do not ignore it. Seek immediate medical attention even if the person is back to normal.
Remember: speed of reaction means everything when it comes to a stroke. Knowing the symptoms and remembering FAST can save a life. And a healthy lifestyle is always a good idea.
Stay safe, stay healthy! And never hesitate to seek medical attention.
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