WHY IT MATTERS
TIME IS BRAIN
During a stroke, time lost is brain function lost. Strokes are the #1 cause of disability in the U.S. Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke; precious time is lost when the patient calls their primary care doctor rather than 911. Precious time is lost if the patient is driven to a hospital that is not able to treat strokes. Stroke treatment requires a specific mediation and a specifically trained staff and is therefore not available at every emergency room. When you spot a stroke, call 911. The ambulance staff are trained to take you to place best suited to treat your emergency.
STROKE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of a stroke can come and go. They can be different for different people; further, a second stroke suffered after a first may have different signs and symptoms. If you have these symptoms, DON'T wait thinking this will pass. The treatment window short; call 911 immediately if you experience (from the CDC's website):
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Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
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Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
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Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Classic stroke signs also include a droopy smile or an inability to raise one arm as shown below. This image on magnets and wallet cards is available free of charge for retention and easy recall; you may download and print your own copy of these materials on our Stay Stroke Smart webpage. Pass them out to your place of worship, recreational centers, and even doctor's office.
Spread the word and save a life!
Six million people die from stroke every year making it the second leading cause of death on the planet.
RECOGNIZING STROKE WARNING SIGNS THROUGH BE FAST
Staying Stroke Smart requires continual reinforcement of information about strokes. Use the free downloadable handouts and posters below to keep this information close and share with others. Knowledge has a shelf life and fades over time.
By placing a memory aid where you will regularly see it, you enhance the possibility that you will Stay Stroke Smart, recognizing the signs of a stroke and remembering to call 911 when you spot a stroke.
It is important to know the signs and symptoms of a person having a stroke. Strokes can be treatable and even preventable, but time is key.