Every minute counts following the onset of a stroke, especially if treatment is sought early enough.
"Time is brain," said Michele Shain, director of stroke prevention at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, told a small group of people during a presentation on May 20.
Shain and others provided information about strokes, including symptoms, treatments and risks associated with the medical condition as part of Bakersfield Memorial's new partnership with the Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District.
Indicators, stroke types
"Most stroke victims do not die from the stroke itself but from complications associated with the stroke," Shain said.
Stroke victims are left moderately to severely impaired following an occurrence, including affecting speech, motor functions and the ability to drive a car.
While the average age for most people to have a stroke is 55, Shain stressed age alone shouldn't be a driving factor. Women are twice as likely to obtain
"We are seeing younger stroke victims all the time," Shain said. "At (Bakersfield) Memorial we see stroke victims come in on a weekly basis who are in their 40s."
Signs of a stroke include sudden weakness, partial paralysis in one side of the body or numbness in the face, vision problems, trouble speaking or conveying thoughts (aphasia), and severe headaches.
A good mnemonic for detecting strokes is FAST: Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 9-1-1. If a person shows signs of a weak or numb arm, trouble speaking or unable is hard to understand, or their face droops on one side and is hard to smile evenly, it may be time to call 9-1-1 for treatment.
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Experts provide tips on stroke indicators