Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

When the blood supply to an area of the brain is cut off, that is when a stroke will occur. The symptoms will differ, depending on the part of the brain that is affected by the loss of blood, these ultimately can include changes in sensation or motor control.

It is important one knows the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke, especially if it is a second stroke. Being able to quickly identify and act fast when one is having a stroke can minimize long-term effects of the stroke and even help reduce the risk of death as a result of one.

The easiest way to quickly recognize the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke is by memorizing the acronym FAST.

F: Face Drooping

If, when a person is smiling, one side of their face is drooping, this could mean one side of the face is numb. Sudden numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, is a sure warning sign of stroke.

A: Arm Weakness

If a person cannot raise both of their arms, or there is weakness or numbness in one over the other, this could be another sign of stroke. Since the stroke occurs in a specific region of the brain, only one side of the body is usually effected.

S: Speech Difficulty

Those having a stroke could slur their speech or have difficulties even speaking at all. One’s speech may be completely incomprehensible, it would be time to refer to the T in FAST.

T: Time to Call 9-1-1

If a person appears to have any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1, especially if this is not their first stroke. Get the person to the hospital immediately.

Other signs and symptoms of stroke include trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty swallowing memory loss, trouble seeing in one or both eyes or sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Source: Medicinenet.com