A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blocked blood vessel or a ruptured one. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell damage. Recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is important because prompt medical attention can significantly influence outcomes and limit potential long-term effects.
The FAST Acronym
The FAST acronym serves as a simple and effective tool for quickly identifying the common signs of a stroke. Each letter represents a specific physical manifestation that can indicate a problem with blood flow to the brain. Recognizing these signs is the first step in seeking appropriate medical care.
“F” stands for Face drooping, where one side of the person’s face might appear uneven or numb. “A” represents Arm weakness, indicating that one arm may feel weak or drift downward when raised. “S” refers to Speech difficulty, which can manifest as slurred speech or trouble understanding what is being said. Finally, “T” signifies Time to call emergency services immediately if any of these signs are observed.
Recognizing Stroke Signs with FAST
To check for face drooping, ask the person to smile. Observe if one side of their mouth or eye droops, or if their smile appears uneven. For arm weakness, ask the person to raise both arms straight out in front of them, palms up, and hold them there for about ten seconds. If one arm drifts downward or cannot be raised fully, it may signal a stroke.
For speech difficulty, ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, such as “The sky is blue.” Listen for slurred words, garbled speech, or an inability to repeat the sentence correctly. These signs typically appear suddenly, making immediate observation and action even more important.
Immediate Action Steps
If any of the FAST signs are observed, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to drive the person to the hospital yourself, as emergency medical personnel can begin treatment on the way. Remaining with the individual until help arrives is also advised.
It is also important to note the exact time when the symptoms first appeared, as this information is important for medical professionals in determining the most appropriate treatment. Avoid giving the person anything to eat or drink, as a stroke can impair swallowing ability. Do not administer medications like aspirin unless directed by emergency medical personnel, as it can worsen some types of strokes.
The Criticality of Time
For every minute a stroke goes untreated, approximately 1.9 million brain cells can die due to lack of blood supply. The sooner treatment begins, the greater the chance of minimizing long-term disability and improving recovery.
Time-sensitive treatments, such as clot-busting medications like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and mechanical thrombectomy, are most effective when administered within specific time windows. For instance, tPA is typically most effective when given within three to four-and-a-half hours of symptom onset for ischemic strokes. Mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to physically remove a clot, can sometimes be performed up to 6 hours, and in selected cases even up to 24 hours, after symptoms begin, depending on individual patient factors and imaging results.