Spot stroke symptoms F.A.S.T.

When a stroke occurs it counts for every minute. A stroke is a “brain attack” that happens when blood supply is cut off to a portion of the brain, usually by a blood clot. Each year about 800,000 people suffer a stroke and it is the fifth-leading cause of death in the US.

The good news: Strokes can be reversed and if the clot can be removed and melted within the GOLDEN HOUR then the patient comes out without any weakness or disability.

This is called stroke intraarterial thrombectomy within the GOLDEN hour, a catheter can be introduced into the brain like angiogram for the heart, and the clot can be removed from the brain vessel blocking the flow of the vessel distally.

Stroke experts suggest memorizing an acronym-Easy to remember the sudden onset of symptoms.

• Face (face drooping)
• Arms (weakness in the arm)
• Remarks (slurred speech)
• Time (time counts-instantly call an ambulance)

“With advanced resources and technologies available to us, if we administer care within six hours, we can avoid life-threatening complications and even reverse the effects of a stroke.

Preventive measures are also available which address the overall risk factors. People should moderately reduce tension, eat and drink, be careful when taking prescription drugs, exercise, get plenty of rest and avoid smoking.

Studies show that 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented, but if you observe someone with stroke symptoms, even those that seem to go away, be sure to help that person get to the hospital quickly, and take note of when those symptoms first occurred.

THE BEST WAY IS TO PREVENT STROKE RATHER THAN INTERVENE AFTER THE STROKE SETS.

REGULAR health check and timely carotid Doppler in case of dizziness or weakness, blackouts are the best way to prevent stroke

“TIME SAVED IS BRAIN SAVED”