Notes from the Parish Nurse

May is National Stroke Awareness Month. With the incidence of strokes increasing in both men and women ages 50 and under, it’s critical we all know the signs and symptoms of a stroke, also called a “BRAIN ATTACK.” Medical experts think that immediate treatment is just as important for stroke symptoms as it is for symptoms of a heart attack. The sooner treatment begins, the less damage may occur in the brain. Rapid access to medical treatment can often make a difference between full recovery and permanent disability. 

Memorize this FAST acronym! 

F (FACE)—Ask the person to smile. Is he or she unable to smile, or does one side of the mouth droop? 

A (ARMS)—Ask the person to raise both arms. Is he or she unable to do so, or does one arm drift down? 

S (SPEECH)—Ask the person to say a simple phrase? Is speech slurred or garbled? 

T (TIME)—Act quickly! If you see the above symptoms, call 911 immediately. Note the time symptoms began. There will be less damage to the brain the sooner treatment is started. Nearly 2 million brain cells die each minute a stroke remains untreated! 

Other stroke symptoms include: 

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg. 

• Sudden confusion, trouble understanding or speaking. 

• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes or blurred vision. 

• Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination or balance. 

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause. 

Visit https://www.stroke.org/ to learn more.