How to know if you are having a stroke?

It is normal to feel apprehensive while calling emergency centers if you are not sure. However, there are several symptoms that can help you diagnose whether you are having a stroke. In an effort to help people understand the signs, the National Stroke Association advises the use of the acronym “FAST”

FAST stands for face, arms, speech, and time respectively.

Face – If there is a droop in the smile of a person, it can indicate the onset of a stroke. The smile can also appear uneven, along with numbness in one portion of the face.

Arm – If the person can’t raise up both the arms, then that’s cause for worry. Also, look out for numbness or weakness on any one side. Moreover, if one arm moves downward, then that is also a symptom.

Speech – Slurring speech is a major indication of a stroke. If you want to be sure, ask him/her to repeat what you say and look out if the sentences are comprehensible or not. Having trouble uttering the words is also a sign.

Time – Time is of the essence for people suffering from a stroke. You must act fast if you want to save their life. The best move is to call emergency medical services immediately.

Other symptoms and signs of stroke (applicable for both men and women)

There are some other symptoms of a stroke. Check out some of them here.

• The feeling of numbness in any part of the body
• Dizziness
• Paralysis in different parts of the body
• Blurred vision or any problem with the eyesight
• Difficulty in walking
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Problem with swallowing
• Changes in behavior
• Issues with speech
• Stiffness in the muscles

Symptoms unique to women

There are some symptoms that you can find in women. Some of them include –

• Pain
• Fainting
• Hiccups
• General weakness
• Seizures
• Irritation
• Nausea
• Hallucination

How can you prepare for a stroke?

There are various ways that you can prepare for a stroke. For starters, you can educate yourself and others about the symptoms. Then, you can make sure that you have the emergency numbers nearby. Also knowing, about the nearest hospital will help.

Stroke is a deadly medical condition that can cause death within minutes. In this scenario, every second matter. It is why knowing and diagnosing the symptoms can actually save a person’s life. Though medical professionals are trained to handle the situation, it is vital to know some information. You can use it to offer immediate aid until qualified help comes.