Stroke is a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain. It comes on suddenly and can cause permanent damage to the brain. When a stroke occurs, the blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or cut off completely. This deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, and brain cells start to die within minutes.
- Facial drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
- Speech difficulty: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Trouble seeing: Does the person have trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
- Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms? Does one arm drop down?
- Headache: Does the person have a sudden, severe headache with no known cause?
The brain controls all of the functions of the body, so when a stroke occurs, both the brain and the body lose function.
Classic stroke symptoms can last from a few minutes to a few hours. They can be single or multiple, and they depend on the part of the brain that is affected and whether blood flow is restored.
Other Common Symptoms of Stroke
In addition to the classic signs of stroke listed above, there are a number of other symptoms that are associated with stroke, especially in women. These symptoms include pain in the face or legs, hiccups, feeling weak all over, chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
FAST: The 4 Life-Saving Letters for Stroke
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drop?
Speech: Ask the person to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time: If the person has any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
It is important to note that stroke symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may have severe symptoms. It is also important to note that stroke symptoms can come and go. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, even if they go away after a few minutes, it is still important to see a doctor.