Think FAST to Prevent Long Term-Damage from a Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States.
May is Stroke Awareness Month. It aims to raise awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of stroke.
A stroke happens when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot (a lump of blood cells stuck together) or bursts. This means that part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and then brain cells in that area begin to die.
During a stroke, every minute counts! Fast treatment can lessen the damage that the stroke can cause.
What are the signs of stroke?
When someone is having a stroke, they may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding what is being said to them.
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or are suddenly clumsy.
Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Call 9–1–1 right away if you or someone else shows any stroke symptoms.
And even if you think you can get to the hospital faster, choose the ambulance.
Emergency medical system providers can work on the way to the hospital to reduce the impact a stroke can have on the body. They make sure you get to the correct hospital with the right medical support. Additionally, they alert the hospital so medical professionals are ready to treat you when you arrive.
Stroke treatments work best within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be able to get these treatments if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
Act F.A.S.T
By knowing what a stroke looks like, you can take quick action and perhaps save a life — maybe even your own.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T — Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9–1–1 right away. Don’t wait!
If you can, note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers give the best treatment for each case.
Preventing a stroke: steps to take
While high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, it is also the most treatable. If you have high blood pressure you can lower it through lifestyle changes and medicine, if your medical provider recommends it. The good news is that many cases, stroke may be prevented. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk for stroke even if there are things out of your control, such as family history or age.
Eat well
Move your body
Avoid smoke
Limit alcohol use
Reduce stress
Get adequate sleep
Manage your health conditions
More Information
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles. For more information from the Washington State Department of Health, visit doh.wa.gov.
Questions about COVID-19? Visit our COVID-19 website to learn more about vaccines and booster doses, testing, and more. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.