5 Stroke Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Recognize 5 critical stroke symptoms and learn why acting F.A.S.T. is crucial. Early detection can save lives and prevent lasting damage.

Stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability among adults. What’s more alarming is that strokes can strike at any age and are particularly dangerous for women. According to the American Stroke Association, one in five women will experience a stroke, making it the third leading cause of death for females.

A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,”

occurs when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted. There are two primary types of strokes

1. • Ischemic Stroke: This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked, often due to a clot.
   • Hemorrhagic Stroke: This happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, caused by conditions like aneurysms or abnormal blood vessel formations.

   In both cases, parts of the brain can suffer permanent damage, leading to severe disability, irreversible brain damage, or even death. Early recognition and swift action are essential to minimize the impact of a stroke.

2. Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can mean the difference between life and death. According to the CDC, these five symptoms usually appear suddenly:
   1. Numbness or Weakness: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
   2. Confusion: Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
   3. Vision Problems: Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
   4. Trouble Walking: Loss of balance, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
   5. Severe Headache: An intense headache with no obvious cause.

   If you or someone nearby experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Acting quickly can save a life and reduce the risk of lasting damage.

3. Why Acting F.A.S.T. is Critical During a Stroke

   When it comes to strokes, every minute counts. For ischemic strokes, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die each minute without treatment, according to the American Stroke Association. This is why it’s crucial to act F.A.S.T., a simple test to identify stroke symptoms:

   • F – Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop or appear uneven?
   • A-Arm Weakness: Ask them to lift both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel numb?
   • S – Speech Difficulty: Listen for slurred or strange speech when they try to speak.
   • T – Time to Call 911: Do not attempt to drive them to the hospital. Call an ambulance for immediate medical assistance.

   Quick action improves survival rates and reduces the likelihood of long-term disability. Paramedics can begin life-saving treatment en route to the hospital.

4. While the risk of stroke increases with age, strokes can happen to anyone, including younger individuals. One in seven strokes occurs in people between the ages of 15 and 49.
5. Some risk factors, like age, gender, and family history, are beyond your control. However, lifestyle choices and certain medical conditions significantly contribute to stroke risk, including:
   • Smoking
   • Obesity
   • Diabetes
   • High blood pressure
   • Physical inactivity

   Understanding your risk factors and adopting a healthier lifestyle can greatlyreduce your chances of experiencing a stroke. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and quitting smoking are key steps in prevention.

   By recognizing the symptoms and acting quickly, you can save lives—perhaps even your own. Don’t hesitate; when it comes to strokes, every second counts.