World Stroke Day, 29 October 2015. World Stroke Day falls within Stroke Week 28 October – 3 November. It is commemorated to raise awareness on stroke symptoms. Here are 8 symptoms to look out for:
Knowing the signs of a stroke and seeking immediate medical help can improve the outcome of the stroke. The symptoms of stroke appear suddenly and often there is more than one symptom at the same time.
Approximately 60 people die every day in our country as a result of strokes! But, the good news is, a stroke doesn’t have to be a death sentence.
How to tell when someone is having a stroke, think ‘F.A.S.T’:
F – FACE Drooping – Does one side of their face droop or is it numb? Ask them to smile. Is their smile uneven?
A – ARM Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – SPEECH Difficulty – 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?
T – TIME to call for medical assistance– If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, still call them and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.
A – ARM Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S – SPEECH Difficulty – 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?
T – TIME to call for medical assistance– If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, still call them and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.
Beyond F.A.S.T. – Other Symptoms You Should Know
Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
Source: Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa
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This happened to my grandmother at our home a few Christmases ago. Really scary but honestly if you know what to do then you can save a life. Thankfully my gramma recovered in hospital and is still doing fine but there are plenty of people who wouldn’t know what to do (me included back then)
Thank you for your comment Elaine. Glad to hear your gran recovered.
It’s scary to think it could happen to any of us, but you are right, if people can see the signs and call for medical assistance immediately, it could save a person’s life.