Unfortunately, most of us know someone that has had a stroke. Whether severe or mild, strokes are not something to take lightly. Not sure if you or your loved one are dealing with the effects of a stroke? Luckily there is a simple test you can do thanks to ElderIssues.
“If you, or someone you are with, show any of these symptoms:
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially if on one s ide
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
You can do a simple test, referred to as FAST, to help convince yourself, or the person experiencing the symptoms, how serious the situation is and the need for action.
Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
Time – If the person shows any of these symptoms, Immediately! Note the time the symptoms began, call 911 or get to an emergency room fast. Brain cells are dying.”
To learn more about strokes, please visit the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stoke.