Stroke

A stroke is your brain’s equivalent of a heart attack, happening when there’s an issue with blood flow to part of your brain. This can happen when blood vessels are blocked or because of bleeding in your brain. Strokes are a life-threatening emergency, and immediate medical attention is critical to prevent permanent damage or death.

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when part of your brain doesn’t have enough blood flow. This most commonly happens because of a blocked artery or bleeding in your brain. Without a steady supply of blood, the brain cells in that area start to die from a lack of oxygen.

IMPORTANT: A stroke is a life-threatening emergency condition where every second counts. If you or someone with you has symptoms of a stroke, IMMEDIATELY call 911 (or your local emergency services number). The quicker the stroke is treated, the more likely you’ll recover without disability.

To recognize the warning signs of a stroke, remember to think FAST:

1. F – Ask the person to smile. Look for a droop on one or both sides of their face, which is a sign of muscle weakness or paralysis.
2. A – A person having a stroke often has muscle weakness on one side. Ask them to raise their arms. If they have a one-sided weakness (and didn’t have it before), one arm will stay higher while the other will sag and drop downward.
3. S – Strokes often cause a person to lose their ability to speak. They might slur their speech or have trouble choosing the right words.
4. T – Time is critical, so don’t wait to get help! If possible, look at your watch or a clock and remember when symptoms start. Telling a healthcare provider when symptoms started can help the provider know what treatment options are best for you.