May Is American Stroke Month

May is National Stroke Month. The American Stroke Association is emphasizing recognition of stroke symptoms and warning signs.  A key to surviving a stroke is getting treatment and care immediately.  Quick response saves lives and can prevent or lessen lasting effects from suffering a stroke.

Stroke is not just a problem for the elderly.  It can and does occur in all age groups.  The American Stroke Association urges people to learn warning signs of stroke by using this F.A.S.T. guideline:

F - Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb ?  One test is to ask  the person to smile.

A- Arm Weakness:  Is an arm weak or numb ?  Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward ?

S- Speech Difficulty:  Is the person slurring speech or unable to speak ?

T- Time to call 9-1-1:  If the person shows any of these symptoms., even if they go away,   call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.

Additional stroke signs include: a sudden and severe headache for no known cause; dizziness; sudden loss of balance; difficulty seeing; sudden confusion or trouble understanding and comprehending you.

Like cardiac arrest, seconds count.  Spotting a stroke quickly can mean the difference between life and death and between debilitating effects and no lasting difficulties.