Stroke at a glance – F.A.S.T Signs

Stroke at a glance

Similar to heart attack, stroke is a brain attack due to ischemia (Blood doesn’t flow well to the brain cells).

Types of Stroke:

• Ischemic Stroke.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke.
• Transient Ischemic attack (TIA) also called “mini-stroke”

Signs of Stroke:

• The early sign is a sudden severe headache without known reason or cause.
• Sudden numbness or weakness in one-side of the face, arm or legs.
• Confusion, trouble speaking (Slurred Speech), or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

F.A.S.T to Spot the sign of Stroke:

Stroke is an emergency situation, the ability to spot the signs and act immediately is crucial to avoid damage to brain, every single second counts!

How to remember Stroke signs?

F.A.S.T

For more pharmacological mnemonics click here

This video helps understanding the signs of stroke and how can you act FAST:

Another Video “FAST” signs of Stroke:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – “mini stroke”:

Due to a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. the symptoms of a TIA resolve in a few minutes or hours, but you’ll need treatment to help prevent another TIA or a full stroke happening in the future.

How to prevent transient ischemic attack (TIA):

TIA means that you have risk factors, which means in future you may have another TIA or full stroke.

There are several ways you can decrease the risk or even prevent TIA :

• Avoid obesity and maintain healthy weight.
• Stop smoking.
• Stop Alcohol.
• Eating healthy balanced diet.
• Sleep Well.
• Avoid Stress. (As much as you can!)
• Regular exercise and avoid sedentary lifestyle.

Read more here