Think and Act F.A.S.T. : Is It a Stroke?

Did you know that stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of adult disability?

A stroke happens when something interrupts the steady flow of blood to the brain. The interruption may be a blood clot or a burst in a blood vessel. When this happens, brain cells quickly start to die.

But did you know that fast medical intervention can help reduce the chance of death or disability due to stroke?

It's all about F.A.S.T. How to think FAST and act FAST.

Here's what you need to know:

If you're with an individual who has significant, sudden change in speech or loss of balance or is suddenly confused, chances are that this person is having a stroke.

Stroke symptoms include:

Sudden weakness on one side of the body;

Sudden confusion;

Sudden trouble seeing;

Sudden difficulty in speeh or slurred speech;

Sudden severe headache for no known reason;

Sudden loss of balance or difficulty walking.

Any one or more of the above symtpoms may be a sign of stroke.

Think F.A.S.T. if you see any of these signs:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face seem "frozen"

or does the mouth droop?

Arms: Ask the person to lift his or her arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Does the speech sound strange?

Time: Call 9-1-1 quickly!

Disability due to stroke can be prevented or reduced but only if the individual gets to the emergency room immediately.

Call 9-1-1 for the fastest medical response. Saving time can mean saving brain cells and saving a life.