Quickly recognizing stroke symptoms and getting immediate treatment can save a life
During a stroke, two million brain cells die every minute. Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke can save a life. Calling 911 immediately for someone who shows any signs or symptoms of stroke is critical for preventing long term disability or even death.
May is Stroke Awareness Month. Everyone should be aware of what to look for and how to tell if someone is suffering a stroke so help can be given quickly.
Signs of Stroke
Use the B-E F-A-S-T test – a tool to help you remember and recognize the signs of stroke.
B = Balance: Is the person suffering from a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E = Eyesight: Do they have sudden double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F = Facial Droop: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's 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: Does the person suddenly have difficulty speaking or is their speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911: If they have ANY ONE of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not delay – every minute counts.
Risks for Stroke
Knowing your risk for stroke and managing factors you can control, can help you prevent stroke.
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Do not use tobacco.
- Treat atrial fibrillation.
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise.
- Treat sleep apnea.
Types of Stroke
There are two different kinds of stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when blood flow is blocked to part of the brain by a blood clot that has either formed in the blood vessel itself or traveled there from arteries in the neck or from the heart. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. Additionally, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) is when someone has symptoms of a stroke that resolves after a matter of minutes or hours. This could be a red flag that this person is at risk for a future stroke. It is critical that they seek medical attention to determine why that TIA happened, to help prevent a future stroke.
Why Go to Saint Alphonsus for Stroke Care?
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center has been a stroke center since 2007. It is classified as a Comprehensive Level 1 Stroke Center – the highest level of designation. Additionally, Saint Alphonsus has Idaho’s first and only Neuro, Surgical, Trauma ICU and Stepdown Unit, which ensures patients receive fast, state-of-the-art stroke care.
In Canyon County, Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Nampa provides exceptional stroke care as a Primary Stroke Center, and now has the capability to retrieve blood clots from large arteries.
Whether you live in Ada or Canyon County, a Saint Alphonsus stroke Center of Excellence is nearby. Remember, minutes matter. Quickly recognizing stroke symptoms and getting immediate treatment can save a life.
