'F.A.S.T.' Action Needed for Strokes

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain. When that happens, the affected part of the brain starts to die.

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the third-leading cause of death in the United States. With approximately 800,000 strokes each year, that means about every 40 seconds someone in America will experience either a new or recurrent stroke.

Despite this high frequency, many people do not recognize stroke as a medical emergency, as they would a heart attack.  Recent studies reveal that many people do not know the signs or symptoms of stroke.

Early recognition and immediate treatment are necessary to improve recovery following stroke.  In 1996, the FDA approved tissue plasminogen activator, or TPA, a potent clot-busting medication, to be used to treat acute ischemic stroke. When given early, typically less than three hours from the onset of stroke symptoms, this medication can greatly lower the likelihood of permanent disability resulting from the stroke. However, in the United States less than 4 percent of patients suffering a stroke receive TPA, due to a delay in seeking medical treatment.

May is Stroke Awareness Month. Please take this time to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke. When educating patients and our community about stroke awareness, we urge them to remember the word FAST:

F is for facial droop or an uneven smile

A is for arm, which may be weak or numb

S is for speech, which may be slurred or difficult to understand

T is for time

It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms as quickly as possible, call 911 and get the person to the hospital immediately. 

Remember, when it comes to stroke, time is brain. It is important to act FAST.