May is American Stroke Month — act ‘FAST’ to recognize stroke

A stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Would you recognize one?

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. May is American Stroke Month, and is a great time to learn the signs and symptoms of stroke so you can act “FAST” if you or someone you love has a stroke.

Use “FAST” to remember the warning signs of a stroke:

• FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stroke symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakening 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.

Note the time you experienced or noticed the first symptom. This information is important to healthcare providers and can affect treatment decisions.