asheville, When a Stroke Strikes, Acting F.A.S.T. Could Save a Life

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When a Stroke Strikes, Acting F.A.S.T. Could Save a Life

Few Americans know the symptoms of stroke. Learning them – and acting FAST when they occur – could save your life or the life of a loved one.

Common stroke symptoms include:

* Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Use the F.A.S.T. method for recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms:

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 sentence. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?
T = TIME If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.

If the person has trouble with any of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher. Widespread use of this test could result in prompt diagnosis and treatment of a stroke and prevent permanent brain damage.

For more information, log on to the National Stroke Association or view Stroke 101.

(Image provided by Buncombe County.)