What is a stroke?
A stroke is like a “brain attack.” In a heart attack, not enough blood gets to the heart muscle. In a stroke, not enough blood gets to the brain. Parts of the brain can die if blood is cut off for more than a couple of hours. Weakness, numbness, or speech problems may clear up within a few hours if blood is cut off for a shorter time. This is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) rather than a stroke.
How can I tell if someone has a stroke?
There are several ways to tell if someone has a stroke. F.A.S.T. is one way to remember the signs of stroke. If you see a person with any of these signs, call 9-1-1 for help right away:
- 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 problems. 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 they go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital right away. Check the time so you will know when the first symptoms appeared.
Five “suddens” also cover stroke warning signs:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you think you or a family member may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1. Acting quickly improves the chance of survival and recovery. The doctor will do an exam and may order other tests, including pictures of the brain.
How can I prevent stroke and TIA?
- If you smoke, quit.
- Work with your doctor to control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Walk or do some other exercise most days of the week.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fish.
- Skip sugary drinks.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor
American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
