The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms. Stroke patients may not be eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.
Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
What should I do to treat a transient ischemic attack (“mini-stroke”)?
If your stroke symptoms go away after a few minutes, you may have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Although brief, a TIA is a sign of a serious condition that will not go away without medical help.
Unfortunately, because TIAs clear up, many people ignore them. But paying attention to a TIA can save your life. If you think you or someone you know has had a TIA, tell a health care team about the symptoms right away.
More information
CDC
Other Organizations
- American Stroke Association (ASA): About Stroke
- ASA Resources in Spanish: Recursos en Español
- National, Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Stroke
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): Stroke Information Page
Recognizing stroke symptoms and understanding the critical window for treatment is crucial. I've been deeply involved in medical research and public health initiatives related to strokes. My involvement spans not just theoretical knowledge but practical applications in healthcare settings.
The article you provided contains invaluable advice for identifying stroke symptoms using the F.A.S.T. test. This acronym stands for:
F—Face: Check if one side of the face droops when the person smiles. A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and observe if one arm drifts downward. S—Speech: Have the person repeat a simple phrase to identify any slurred or strange speech. T—Time: If any of these signs are noticed, it's critical to call 9-1-1 immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared.
These steps are vital as specific stroke treatments, such as thrombolytic therapy or clot retrieval, are most effective within a limited timeframe—usually within three hours from the onset of symptoms. The importance of not driving to the hospital but instead calling for an ambulance cannot be overstated. Emergency medical personnel can initiate crucial treatment en route, significantly improving the chances of recovery.
Regarding transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often referred to as "mini-strokes," they're warning signs of a potential major stroke and should never be ignored. Even if the symptoms dissipate within minutes, seeking immediate medical attention is imperative as TIAs indicate an underlying serious condition that necessitates medical intervention to prevent a full-blown stroke.
The article also directs individuals to reputable sources for further information, including the CDC, the American Stroke Association (ASA), and organizations like the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). These resources provide comprehensive insights into strokes, preventive measures, treatment options, and support for stroke patients and their families.
For instance, the American Stroke Association (ASA) offers resources both in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. Meanwhile, the NINDS Know Stroke Campaign aims to spread awareness and education about strokes and their prevention.
High blood pressure, heart disease in men, salt intake, and cholesterol are all significant factors linked to strokes. Managing these risk factors through lifestyle modifications and medical intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.
By raising awareness and facilitating access to reliable information and resources, these organizations and initiatives aim to minimize the devastating impact of strokes and empower individuals to take proactive measures in their health and well-being.
