Stroke – do you know the signs?
We tend to think of stroke sufferers as fitting a specific profile – the senior smoker, for example, or the middle-aged, stressed-out executive. The reality is that a stroke can affect anyone.
Common warning signs
The FAST acronym is widely used to identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Commit it to memory – you never know when you may need it to help save a life:
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call for medical help immediately.
Paediatric stroke
Did you know that stroke is among the top 10 causes of death in children? While the FAST warning signs can also be used, there are some additional specific symptoms in the case of little ones:
In newborns and infants
- Seizures
- Extreme sleepiness
- Tendency to use only one side of their body.
In children and teens
- Severe headaches
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or co-ordination.
Early identification and treatment is key in minimising the damage caused by a stroke. The sooner the person gets to an emergency room the better the chances that the doctors will be able to restore the flow of blood to the brain and save brain cells. Familiarise yourself with the symptoms and don’t waste time before calling a paramedic if you suspect that someone might be having a stroke.