Clarian Neuroscience encourages FAST action in response to strokes

Clarian Neuroscience is celebrating American Stroke Awareness Month in May by educating people about the dangers of stroke—and reminding everyone to seek immediate medical help if they think they may be experiencing symptoms of a stroke. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and the No. 1 cause of disability in America. Strokes also tend to be more prevalent amongst African-Americans and Latinos.

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is crucial for saving lives as the odds for survival and recovery greatly improve with prompt treatment within the first few hours of symptom onset. But unfortunately, many people who experience stroke symptoms don’t recognize them, often choosing to go to sleep rather than call 911. The failure to receive the most immediate and appropriate treatment has too often led to the death or disability of the 750,000 Americans who experience a stroke each year.

“If you have a stroke and come to the hospital immediately, there is a time window that’s soon enough to be considered for clot-busting medicine. We can help,” says James Fleck, MD, medical director of stroke services for Clarian Neuroscience at Methodist Hospital and assistant professor of neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Common symptoms of a stroke: 1. Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg—especially on one side of the body. 2. Trouble speaking or trouble understanding. 3. Trouble seeing in one or both eyes. 4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance or coordination. 5. Sudden severe headache

Respond quickly (Act FAST): If you think someone is having a stroke, act FAST to recognize it and get immediate help. F–Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?A–Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S–Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the person repeat the sentence correctly or slur the words?

Prevention Tips: 1. Control your blood pressure. 2. Find out if you have heart disease. 3. Stop smoking. 4. Limit your alcohol intake. 5. Lower your cholesterol. 6. Exercise. 7. Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet.

T–Time: If the person has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and get to a hospital fast.