During a stroke, every minute is important! Fast treatment, early recognition and calling emergency services can lessen the damage caused by a stroke. By knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke, you can possibly save your life – perhaps even your own.
Signs of stroke in men and women
The following are early signs of a stroke:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, normally on one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking, confusion or having a problem understanding when someone is talking to them.
- Sudden trouble seeing in either one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble with coordination – walking, loss of balance, or dizziness.
- Sudden severe headache with no cause.
If someone experiences these symptoms, it’s important to contact emergency services. Treatment is most effective within 3 hours of the first signs.
If you are still uncertain, however, you have act F.A.S.T.
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Is the smile lopsided?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm prone to drifting downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or muffled?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call emergency services right away.
Make a not of when the signs or symptoms appear initially. This assists health care providers in determining the best course of treatment for each individual.
If you are the one experiencing the symptoms, do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Rather call emergency services so that medical personnel can start with life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital.
If you are in need of First Aid and Safety Training in South Africa, contact Tshwane First Aid and Safety Training today for an affordable course.