Stroke can occur when you least expected it. It is scary, especially if it is happening to you or someone you care about. A stroke or CVA (cerebrovascular accident) is when blood and oxygen does not reach the brain due to a blockage or a ruptured blood vessel. This can cause weakness to one side of the body, confusion, an altered mental state, etc. These symptoms are specific to the area of the brain that is affected.
It is still fresh in my memory when I witnessed someone a few years ago, who exhibited stroke symptoms. She initially complained of weakness to one side of her body. Her family thought she was coming down with a flu, but we still called 911. Her symptoms progressed, her face drooped on one side. She was unable to move her arm. Waiting for the ambulance seemed forever but when the ambulance arrived, they immediately evaluated her and wasted no time transporting her to a hospital.
Recognizing the warning signs of stroke and vital to a person’s survival. Every second counts.
What are the warning signs of a stroke?
According to the American Heart Association, and American Stroke Association, you have to act F.A.S.T.
F – Facial droop.
A – Arm Weakness on one side of body (arm and/or leg) or either side of the body.
S- Speech difficulty such as slurred speech.
T- Time to call 911.
There are other warning signs such as…
- Sudden onset of numbness.
- Sudden onset of confusion.
- Feels like the worst headache of your life.
- Sudden visual loss of changes to one or both eyes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
