Do you know the signs of stroke?
May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about the signs and symptoms of stroke and the need to seek medical treatment as quickly as possible when a stroke occurs.
According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States.
People who are overweight and smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes are at a higher risk of having a stroke. And having a positive outcome after a stroke, depends, in part, on how quickly a person seeks care, says Sandra Ruby, M.D., neurologist and medical director of the stroke program at Carroll Hospital.
Swift medical care is critical to ensure the best outcome in stroke, reducing disability and improving chance of neurologic recovery,” Dr. Ruby says.
When an individual has a sudden onset of stroke symptoms in the county, emergency medical services will bring that person to Carroll Hospital, a Primary Stroke Center, where we have the policies and procedures to provide rapid care for stroke patients.
To remember the signs and symptoms of a stroke, a helpful acronym to keep in mind is BE FAST:
BALANCE: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
EYES: Is the person experiencing double vision or are they unable to see out of one eye?
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one side drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately
Visit our website to learn more about the stroke care Carroll Hospital provides.
