How Can I Recognize If I Have A Stroke?

Do you have a sudden numbness or paralysis of your face, only on one side of the face (one side of your mouth droops when you try to smile)?

Do you have a sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of your arm or leg, especially on one side of the body (when you raise both your arms over your head at the same time, one arm begins to fall)?

Do you have a sudden trouble speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding what others are saying?

Do you have sudden problem seeing in one or both eyes (blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or double vision)?

Do you have sudden trouble walking (you stumble or have no balance), dizziness, or lack of coordination?

Do you have sudden severe headache which may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting, or altered consciousness (feeling drowsy, having hallucinations)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a stroke. A stroke occurs when oxygen rich blood cannot reach specific area of the brain due to rupture or blockage of blood vessels. Without oxygen the brain cells begins to die. It is good to know the signs of a stroke so you can react fast and perhaps save a life. There is a simple pattern for stroke recognition called F.A.S.T: F - is for uneven smile on the face, A - is for weakness in only one arm and S - is for slurred speech. T - means don’t waste time and call 9-1-1 immediately.

Based on your answers it is possible that you have a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain get interrupted by a blockage or a rupture of blood vessels. Without oxygen brain cells dies within minutes. A stroke is an urgent medical condition and needs immediate treatment. If you, or someone else has any of these symptoms, or they seem to come and go or disappear altogether, call 911 right away! A stroke needs to be treated promptly in order to reduce potential brain damage and disability. It is important to start treatment within 3 hours of the onset of the first symptoms.