Know the signs of stroke (text)

Valley Regional Medical Center - May 08, 2019

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. (Text)

Source: American Heart Association

F: Face Drooping
A: Arm Weakness
S: Speech Difficulty
T: Time to Call 9-1-1

Did you know 80 percent of strokes are preventable, and high blood pressure is the most controllable risk factor? Have your blood pressure measured and keep it in check with the help of our experienced clinicians.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in adults in the United States. Stroke takes the lives of approximately 130,000 Americans each year and on average, one American dies from stroke every four minutes. These are startling statistics, but by acting FAST, at the first sign of stroke, you can greatly increase your chance of survival.

We spoke with neurologist, Dr. Luis Gaitan, Stroke Program Director at Valley Regional Medical Center, to learn what to do if you, or a loved one, are having a stroke.

Stroke basics

A stroke occurs when a portion of the brain is deprived of oxygen or blood. That piece of the brain either dies or significantly malfunctions as a result," explains Dr. Gaitan. There are two major types of stroke. Roughly 85 to 87 percent of strokes are isechemic, commonly referred to as dry strokes, while 15 to 20 percent are hemorrhagic. "In both instances, a portion of brain tissue is damaged by a lack of oxygen and blood flow, and that creates a stroke," says Gaitan.

Stroke warning signs

When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. The sooner you get treated, the better your chance of survival and recovery.

"We, as physicians, like to give the medication within four hours of [stroke] onset, because we know it works better and the outcomes are better," says Gaitan. "We really try to give it in less than one hour, if we can, because the earlier the medication is received, the better the outcome."

If someone is having a stroke, think and act F-A-S-T:

F-FACE: Watch for facial drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if one side of the face droops.
A-ARMS: Is their arm weak? Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S-SPEECH: Look out for slurred speech. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase, such as: "The sky is blue." Can he or she do it?
T-TIME: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Even if the symptoms go away, still call for help.

Sometimes, severe headaches or vertigo (dizziness) can accompany a stroke but these symptoms aren't typical, says Gaitan. However, a sudden change of vision associated with weakness, may signal a stroke, he says.

Be sure to note the time that symptoms first appeared. And don't try to drive yourself or a loved one to a hospital. Call for an ambulance so treatment can begin immediately.

Valley Regional Medical Center is an Advanced Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Our doctors and nurses provide 24/7 care, offering fast treatment for stroke and TIA patients. To learn more about our hospital's Stroke program, read our Stroke and Neurosciences Services page.