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Gettyimages 1088968180 Stroke

Having a Stroke? Think FAST

May 6, 2019 |
By Gabriel A. Vidal, MD
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Did you know that someone in America has a stroke every 40 seconds? That translates into nearly 800,000 people each year. And of that number, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain "clogs" up, depriving brain tissue of the blood and nutrients it needs. The result is that thousands of brain cells begin to die almost immediately, which in turn affects motor skills, coordination, speech and comprehension.

What are signs of a stroke?

Symptoms of a stroke include:

  • Sudden onset weakness and/or numbness in one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking or comprehending others
  • Slurred speech
  • Facial droop
  • Difficulty with vision
  • Imbalance
  • Severe headache

What do you do if someone if having a stroke?

It is extremely important that someone who is showing signs of stroke remembers the acronym FAST to lower the risk of death or disability:

  • F is for face – Is your face drooping?
  • A is for arms – Can you lift both arms?
  • S is for speech – Are you slurring your words?
  • T is for time – Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Remember – “time is brain”. Anyone who has signs or symptoms of a stroke needs immediate medical attention in an emergency department because early treatment can reduce the brain damage that results from a stroke. This can improve short-term and long-term outcomes.

To learn more about your stroke risk, take our stroke risk assessment today.

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stroke
neurology

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May 9, 2018

Don’t Be Fooled by These Stroke Myths

Strokes don’t just happen to older adults, the effects could be reversed if treated quickly enough, and they can actually be prevented. We bust the most common stroke myths.
Health Trends
Apr 30, 2015

Telemedicine Program Treats Stroke Victims when Time is Crucial

Programs such as Ochsner’s ASSERT telemedicine program can be valuable to patients who find themselves experiencing a stroke. Stroke neurologists are present virtually through secure wireless data and video communication 24/7. Ochsner’s stroke team evaluates patients, diagnoses, directs care and ensures that timely thrombolytic therapy is administered.
170083016
Prevention & Wellness
Mar 10, 2014

How to Stop a Stroke Before a Stroke Stops You

Learn the warning signs to look out for if someone is having a stroke and things you can you do to prevent a stroke from happening. Also, learn why programs such as Ochsner's ASSERT telemedicine program, located at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, can be so valuable to patients who find themselves experiencing a stroke.

Comments about the blog? Send us an email!

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