May is Stroke Awareness Month
Learn the signs and symptoms of stroke! Inspired Health Group Physician Assistant, Lauren Zanda, shares the simple acronym for stroke awareness.
Did you know every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke? Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
What is a stroke?
According to Mayo Clinic, an ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die in minutes. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can reduce brain damage and other complications.
What are the signs of a stroke?
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, not only for yourself but for your family members as well. We typically refer to the acronym F.A.S.T.
- F- Face Drooping. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? As the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven or lopsided?
- A- Arm Weakness. Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S- Speech. Is speech slurred? is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
- T- Time. If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Graphic from U.S. Health & Human Services