What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted by a blocked or broken blood vessel. When a stroke occurs, it kills brain cells in the immediate area. These cells release chemicals that set off a chain reaction that endangers brain cells in a larger surrounding area of brain tissue. Without prompt medical treatment, this larger area will also die. When brain cells die, the abilities that area of the brain controls are lost or impaired. The degree of recovery depends on the amount of brain cell death. To learn more about the types of strokes, click here.
Symptoms – B.E.F.A.S.T.
Here is a simple test to look for symptoms. Don’t forget time is important!
Call 9-1-1
Balance
Is the person uncoordinated and having difficulty walking?
Eyes
Ask the person if they have double or blurred vision.
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 sentence. Are the words slurred? Is the sentence repeated correctly?
Time
If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is important.
