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    Posted By
    Stephanie Welle CNS

    Stephanie Welle, C.N.S.

    Intensive Care (Critical Care)

    Recent Posts

    • Speaking of Health
      Stroke Awareness: Article Series
      September 21, 2012
    • Speaking of Health
      Recovery from stroke is never easy, but it is possible
      September 21, 2012
    • Speaking of Health
      Who is most at risk for a stroke?
      September 21, 2012
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    Speaking of Health
    Friday, September 21, 2012

    How to tell if it's a stroke and what you can do to help

    Many emergencies give you warning signs before they get to a life-threatening level. For example, heart attacks often come after chest pain and allergic-looking reactions such as hives or swelling. But stroke symptoms arise suddenly, leaving you a small window of time to react effectively. It is vitally important to act quickly if you suspect that someone you are with is having a stroke.

    Symptoms that might signal a stroke include:

    • weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body
    • sudden difficulties in speaking or understanding
    • visual impairment affecting one or both eyes
    • issues with balance, dizziness or walking
    • overwhelming headaches with no clear cause

    A simple way to tell if someone is having a stroke is to complete the FAST test:

    • F (Face). Have the person smile. Is it abnormal or drooping on one side?
    • A (Arm). Have the person extend their arms straight out at their sides. Does one arm drop downward?
    • S (Speech). Is his or her speech slurred?
    • T (Time). If you can answer yes to one or more of these questions, it is time to call 911.

    If the suspected stroke victim stops breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and turn their head to the side if he or she begins vomiting, to prevent choking. Also, be sure to keep anyone who may be having a stroke from eating or drinking.

    The important thing to remember is that time is of the essence. Always seek medical attention immediately if you think someone you are with may be experiencing a stroke.

    << Part 1: What is a stroke and what does it do to me?? | Part 3: Who is most at risk for a stroke? >>


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Stroke Awareness

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