Dr. Chris Vanderzant
When it comes to stroke, remembering the acronym FAST can be lifesaving:
FACE droop
ARM drift downward
SPEECH slurred
TIME is important
When a stroke occurs, brain tissue is immediately affected and starts to die. This is why every second counts if you or a loved one experience these symptoms. Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms.
Few conditions occur as rapidly and with as destructive consequences; therefore, the most crucial factor of stroke treatment is to seek immediate medical care. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death and the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States.
A stroke, or "brain attack," occurs when one of your blood vessels clots or bursts, cutting off the blood and oxygen supply to your brain. Brain tissue is affected immediately and starts to die. The brain cells affected by stroke control functions essential to everyday life, such as walking, speaking and breathing.
Stroke can cause devastating long-term effects including memory loss, problems with vision or speech, behavioral changes and paralysis on one side of the body. After a stroke occurs, the goal is to reduce potentially devastating effects, prevent further damage to the brain, and decrease the medical and physical complications that can follow a stroke.
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HOUSE CALL: When stroke strikes, you must act FAST