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About Stroke
A stroke happens when there’s bleeding into the brain or when blood flow to the brain is blocked. When brain cells are deprived of essential nutrients, they start dying within minutes.
Stroke is a medical emergency. The sooner treatment is given, the more likely it is that damage can be minimized. Every moment counts.
Stroke may be caused by a clot formed in an artery in the brain or carried to the brain in the bloodstream, a ruptured artery in the brain or by compression of an artery in the brain, include those as resulting from brain tumors.
Symptoms
Use F.A.S.T. to help remember basic warning signs and treatment.
- Face. Does the face droop on one side when the person tries to smile?
- Arms. Is one arm lower when the person tries to raise both arms?
- Speech. Can the person repeat a simple sentence? Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
- Time. Every minute counts. If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
Additional signs and symptoms of a stroke, which come on suddenly, include:
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face, arm or leg
- Dimness, blurring or loss of vision, particularly in one eye, or sudden double vision
- Severe headache with no clear cause
- Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially if accompanied by other signs
- Ringing in the ears, especially one ear
- Pupils of uneven size
- Difficulty breathing and swallowing
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Treatment
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. Have the victim stop whatever they are doing and rest. Reassure the victim and keep them comfortable and calm. Do not give anything by mouth. If the victim vomits, position them to allow for fluids to drain. Observe carefully while awaiting professional help.