Abstracted by Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS.

Now that we know how prevalent stroke is from last week’s statistics (1 in 6 people), I feel it is prudent for us to review the warning signs so that we can render help right away. The following is from the American Stroke Association. It is very well written. I hope you find time reading it. 

F.A.S.T. Warning Signs

Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot a Stroke

F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911

Other Stroke Symptoms

Watch for Sudden:

NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech

TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes

TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause

Your home work from the Care Ministry this week:

Can you articulate the signs and symptoms of stroke following the FAST letters?

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