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STROKE AWARENESS

When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. Your immediate action can help prevent brain damage and long-term disability.

Signs of stroke: dizziness, weakness, trouble speaking, vision changes

Signs of stroke: loss of balance, headache, confusion

Signs of stroke: difficulty understanding, numbness, trouble walking

Do you think you could identify all signs of stroke?

You might know the BE FAST* signs of stroke: Balance loss, Eyesight loss, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911

But did you know that recognizing the other signs is just as important?

A SUDDEN ONSET of the following symptoms may indicate stroke*

SYMPTOMS A LOVED ONE MAY EXPERIENCE

SIGNS YOU MAY NOTICE

1. CONFUSION - Unable to understand what is happening, can't think clearly or feel thrown off

A puzzled look, a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions

2. DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING - Unable to comprehend speech or language

Raised or wrinkled eyebrows, shaking their head “no.”

Unsteady or woozy

3. DIZZINESS - Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning

Unsteady movements (like they have motion sickness), like they are drunk (without having any alcohol)

4. LOSS OF BALANCE - Unstable with less coordination

Wobbling around, grabbing onto a stationary object

5. NUMBNESS - A tingling sensation in the body (i.e. face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles

Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas

6. SEVERE HEADACHE - Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck with no known cause

Touching their head or rubbing their temples, sensitivity to light

7. TROUBLE SPEAKING - Unable to speak or slurred speech

Sentences that can’t be understood, difficulty having a conversation

8. TROUBLE WALKINGS - tumbling or unable to walk straight, Tripping over nothing

9. VISION CHANGES - Blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes

Squinting or rubbing their eyes, not able to read

10. WEAKNESS - Lack of strength in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the bodyWanting to sit or lay down, difficulty doing simple tasks

*Note that these symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention.

Call your local emergency services immediately if you think you or someone near you is having a stroke.Download the list.

*BEFAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.

NEXT SABBATH: Review stroke facts