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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.