Stroke

Seek immediate medical assistance. A stroke is a true emergency. The sooner treatment is given; the more likely it is that damage can be minimized. Every moment counts!

In the event of a possible stroke, use FAST to help remember warning signs:

• Face. Does the face droop on one side trying to smile?
• Arms. Is on arm lower when trying to raise both arms?
• Speech. Can a simple sentence be repeated? Is speech slurred or strange?
• Time. During a stroke every minute counts. If you observe any of these signs, call your emergency response team immediately.

Other symptoms may include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.