Is it a stroke?

See if you can spot one F.A.S.T.

Ask someone if they know the warning signs of a heart attack. Chances are, that person may be able to name at least one. The symptoms of a stroke, however, are less familiar.

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers an easy reminder to help us determine if someone is having a stroke. Using letters for the word “FAST” can help us remember what to look for:

• F. Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
• 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 the person’s speech slurred? Are they unable to speak? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “the sky is blue.” Is it repeated correctly?
• T. Time for help: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 911 immediately to get them to the hospital.

Don’t wait:

Sometimes people are unsure and they decide to wait it out. This is a bad idea, since quick action can halt the damaging effects of a stroke.

“I cannot emphasize strongly enough how critical time is with a stroke,” said Loraine Cusumano, RN, director of Cardiovascular Services at McLaren Macomb. “Don’t wait to call for emergency help. Immediate treatment may minimize the long-term effects of a stroke and it can prevent death.”

McLaren Macomb has a highly skilled stroke team that’s ready for timely intervention, she added. “Minutes matter when vital oxygen supply isn’t quickly restored. That’s what can cause lasting brain damage.”

The hospital’s stroke team is able to assess, triage and make a stroke treatment decision within 60 minutes of a patient’s arrival to the McLaren emergency room.
What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain ruptures, or is blocked by a blood clot. Treatment may include medication or various types of surgery to open the blockage or treat the rupture. Survival rates have increased greatly in the past decade, but the chances of survival are even better if the stroke is detected and treated immediately. The AHA reports that 80 percent of all strokes are preventable.

The best prevention is to manage risk factors, such as high blood pressure, smoking, problems with atrial fibrillation and physical inactivity.

Experts say uncontrolled high blood pressure is the most important risk factor to control.

Other warning signs:

Along with the F.A.S.T. check, here are some other stroke symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg, arm or face
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
• Sudden vision problems; the person may have trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness or trouble walking; loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

The best way to avoid a stroke is to see your doctor regularly and to get frequent blood pressure checks. For information on finding a McLaren physician, call toll-free (855) 466-2527 or click here.