Stroke Symptoms
Stroke is the #1 cause of disability and the #5 cause of death in the U.S.F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away.
F.A.S.T. is:
Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.
A Stroke Can Strike Anyone
It can happen to anyone. Patrick Johnson's experience illustrates that anyone at any age can have a stroke, and that quick treatment prevents further damage. As a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, Johnson had just received an excellent score on the fitness exam, yet three days later, he suffered a stroke. Johnson's wife, Kathie, who is a nurse, called 911 immediately. He arrived at the emergency room with complete left-sided paralysis, facial droop, and slurred speech due to an ischemic stroke.
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Other stroke symptoms:
Sudden confusion, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden trouble walking or loss of balance, sudden severe headache with no known cause.
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Remember: Call 9-1-1 if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.
Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.
Rehab at Haywood Regional
Haywood Regional team of speech language pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists take a patient-centered approach to individualized treatment to minimize the damage of stroke. Rehabilitation may include:
- Self-care skills such as feeding, grooming, bathing, toileting and dressing
- Mobility skills such as transferring, walking or self-propelling a wheelchair
- Communication skills in speech and language
- Cognitive skills such as memory or problem solving
- Social skills for interacting with other people
Rehabilitation doesn't reverse the effects of a stroke. The goal is to build strength, capability and confidence to continue daily activities despite the effects of stroke.
For more information about Haywood Regional rehab services CLICK HERE.