Warning signs of a Stroke

Strokes are very common and can be very devastating to a family.  It is important to know the warning signs because fast treatment is the best you can do to minimize the effects from the stroke.  Below is some information I have gathered that I think is very helpful.

WARNING SIGNS:
     -Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
     -Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
     -Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
     -Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
     -Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

In the past, doctors couldn't do much to help stroke victims. That's not true today. Now stroke doesn't have to lead to disability or death. The key is to recognize a stroke and get to the hospital immediately. The clot-dissolving drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) can reduce long-term disability if it's given within three hours after an ischemic stroke starts. (Ischemic strokes are caused by clots and are by far the most common type of stroke.)  Unfortunately, tPA isn't used as often as it could be because many people don't seek care quickly. Don't you make that mistake. If you or someone near you has the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

How to tell if someone has had a stroke...maybe you're at a BBQ and someone just lost their balance for no reason...
 Remember FAST:
F - Check for numbness or weakness in the face (the F in FAST) by asking the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or the person can't smile, it may mean stroke.
A - Look for muscle weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms (the A in FAST). If one arm drifts down or can't be raised, it may mean stroke
S - Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If the speech (the S in FAST) is slurred or hard to understand, or the person has trouble remembering the words to repeat, it may mean stroke.
T - Get help immediately if you or someone else experience any of the signs of stroke. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital. Tell emergency medical personnel you're dealing with a possible stroke, so they can start proper treatment right away. Time (the T in FAST) is the most important factor in helping someone survive a stroke or limit its effects.