How to Know If Someone Is Having a Stroke

People can suffer from a stroke anytime, anywhere. Unfortunatley, many people do not know the warning signs of a stroke and that can be the difference between life and death in a lot of cases. An acronym for the word F A S T can help.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   F - FACE
   Ask the person to smile. Notice whether or not one side of the face droops.

2. 

   A - Arms
   Ask the person to hold both arms up. Does one arm drift downward?

3. 

   S - Speech
   Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Do they slur or get mixed up?

4. 

   T - Time
   If the person exhibits any of these symptom, call 9-1-1 immediately. Time is crucial, brain cells could be dying.

Resources

• F.A.S.T.

[mjnightingale]

on 10/27/2008 This article should be put up on everyone's fridge...it can happen at all ages! thanx~mj

[Miragi]

on 10/9/2008 It's a horrible thing to witness. My mother had one about 2 yrs ago. The first thing I noticed in her was her speech, it was WAY wrong!! Fortunately we were only a few miles from a good hospital so we got her to the emergency room before too much damage had occurred. Always be cognizant! Even if it's someone you don't know.....movement can become labored, there is a DEFINITIVE drooping on one side or the other, and if you're not sure, make them talk. You'll hear it!

Thanks for getting this out there! 5*

[KHarper]

on 9/13/2008 Good information.

[luv2blog]

on 8/17/2008 My 28 year old niece just had a stroke last week The doctor in the emergency room mis-diagnosed her and sent her home, calling it fatigue. Maybe he should read your article. :-)

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 8/7/2008 Thank you for writting this article, a stroke is a very scary thing to happen and I've wanted to know these signals.....