Sometimes we suddenly see someone slump, slur their speech, or see their face tilt to one side and think they might be weak or tired. But did you know that these signs could be of a stroke, a very serious and life-threatening condition? So, let us tell you today how to recognize stroke symptoms before they become a problem.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops or is greatly reduced, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. That is why it is said that every second counts during a stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But the good news is that if the symptoms are recognized early and treated promptly, lives can be saved and a person can return to a normal life.
Experts have coined a simple acronym, FAST, to identify stroke symptoms. Each letter has a different meaning.
In which the first F means Face. Ask the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or appears numb, be alert.
Second A stands for Arm. Ask the person to raise both arms. If an arm drops or feels weak, it could be a sign of a stroke.
Now S stands for Speech. If speaking is difficult or words are slurred, this is also a warning.
Meanwhile, T stands for Time. This means that after recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, don’t waste a second; Call 108 or 911 immediately.
If stroke treatment is started on time, the person can make a full recovery. However, if treatment is delayed, parts of the brain can be permanently damaged. The first few hours after a stroke are critical.
By adopting certain habits in your daily life, you can prevent stroke to a great extent. Such as reducing salt and oil intake, eating fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, walking or doing light exercise for 30 minutes daily, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress. Visit your doctor regularly to check blood pressure and sugar levels.