Many times, we suddenly see someone falling, staggering or with one side of the face drooping, and think that perhaps he is weak or tired. But did you know that these signs could be those of a stroke, which is a very serious and life-threatening condition? So let us tell you today how to recognize the symptoms of stroke before they become a serious problem.
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain stops or is greatly reduced, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. That is why it is said that every moment is precious during a stroke. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. But the good news is that if the symptoms are recognized early and treated promptly, lives can be saved and the person can return to a normal life.
Experts have coined a simple acronym, FAST, to identify stroke symptoms. Each letter in this word has a different meaning. The first letter, F, is for face. Ask the person to smile. Be careful if one side of your face sags or becomes numb. The other A is “arm.” Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm droops or feels weak, it may be a sign of a stroke.
S means “speech”. Difficulty speaking or unclear words is also a warning. T means “time”. This means that after recognizing the symptoms of a stroke, don’t waste even a second; Call 108 or 911 immediately. If stroke treatment is started early, the person may make a full recovery. However, if treatment is delayed, parts of the brain may become permanently damaged. The first few hours after a stroke are extremely important.
By adopting some habits in your daily life, you can prevent stroke to a great extent. Such as reducing salt and oil intake, eating fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, walking or doing light exercise for 30 minutes daily, avoiding smoking and alcohol and controlling stress. Visit your doctor regularly for blood pressure and sugar levels.
