Stroke
A stroke occurs when there’s bleeding into your brain or when normal blood flow to your brain is blocked. Within minutes of being deprived of essential nutrients, brain cells start dying – a process that may continue over the next several hours.
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.
" ... occurs when there’s bleeding into your brain or when normal blood flow to your brain is blocked ... "
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.