Stroke is the leading preventable cause of disability. According to the American Stroke Association, it strikes every 40 seconds and about 80 percent of clot related strokes may be preventable.
If stroke does strike, identifying stroke symptoms quickly and getting treatment fast may make the difference between life and death — or the difference between a full recovery and long-term disability.
Know the signs and what to do:
FACE DROOPING
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?
ARM WEAKNESS
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH DIFFICULTY
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Is the person able to correctly repeat the words?
TIME TO CALL 9-1-1
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and say, “I think this is a stroke” to help get the person to the hospital immediately. Time is important! Don’t delay, and also note the time when the first symptoms appeared. Emergency responders will want to know.
If you’re unsure it’s a stroke, call 911 anyway! It’s better to take action now and get help quickly. Learn more by visiting the American Stroke Association website. The more you know, the quicker you can make decisions if symptoms appear.
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