FAST keyword in Stroke diagnosis

How to tell if a person has suffered a stroke

Introduction
A stroke can leave the sufferer with more than one disability for the rest of their life, or even kill them fairly instantly.

When I was 19 my Mum, who was aged just 55, suffered a severe stroke. Through her Doctor's incompetence she did not receive treatment until her health was so damaged that she was left semi-paralysed, unable to utter but a few words. After three years, which saw my poor Mum suffer more than anyone really should, she passed away, fighting until the end.

With age and experience I have learned not to just accept a Doctor's blase diagnosis down a telephone line.

If you think that someone may have suffered a stroke get help and get it fast. Ring an ambulance by calling 911 in the USA, and 999 in the UK

​REMEMBER - The quicker you act, the more of the person you will save, and I know all too well how true that is.

For me, the advice is very personal. It could have made my Mum's prognosis so very different. I hope I never suffer a stroke but, as my Mum's sister and their Mother, suffered the same fate, who knows. Looking after yourself can improve your chances but of course genetics play a part.

When a person suffers a stroke time is of the essence.

Quickly detecting a stroke and getting the appropriate treatment is vital. The speed of receiving treatment will have a marked effect on the outcome.

So to repeat and stress:-

The quicker the stroke is diagnosed, the more of the person that can be saved

In recent years the UK has seen a huge television advertising campaign, aimed at helping people recognise the signs and symptoms of a stroke. These adverts have tried to make sure that each and everyone one of us remembers the slogan, associates it with the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and quickly gets help when necessary.

The slogan is F.A.S.T and so these letters will be the 1-2-3-4 of this simple guide.

F - Step 1

• Look at the persons FACE.
• Is one side of the person's face drooping?
• This may only be a little but will be easily noticeable.

A - Step 2

• Ask the person to lift both arms.
• Even if they are able to do this they may not be able to hold both arms in the air.
• Does one arm tend to drift down?

S - Step 3

• Check the person's speech.
• Are they able to make a sensible sentence?
• Is their speech slurred?

T - Step 4

• Time is now of the essence.
• You must now act FAST.
• If the person has one of the signs above call for an ambulance immediately.
• Do not waste precious time calling a doctor but call either 911 or, in the UK, 999.
• Ask for a blue light ambulance to be sent at once.

Additional symptoms could also be:-

• SUDDEN numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding even simple concepts, words or sentences.
• SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.
• SUDDEN severe headache with no known cause or reason.

As you can see the relevant word here is sudden. There will be people who experience some of the above as a normal matter of course. However, if in doubt check it out.

These symptoms could also be a sign that the person has had a mini-stroke or TIA.

Some of the Stroke risk factors.

• AGE-Your chances of having a stroke increase with age.
• GENDER-Strokes are more common among females.
• HEREDITARY-Your risk of having a stroke is higher if one or more close family members have suffered a stroke.
• RACE-Apparently Black, African Americans have a higher risk of suffering a stroke than white Americans.
• People with HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.
• CIGARETTE SMOKERS
• Those with SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA
• Those with HIGH CHOLESTEROL

PLEASE NOTE THAT:- THE ABOVE LIST IS BY NO MEANS EXHAUSTIVE

Finally
As usual this simple how to guide ended up rather longer than anticipated.

However the one message we hope to get across is F.A.S.T.

Please remember to check for the symptoms if necessary, as young and old can unfortunately suffer a stroke.

​You could save some-one's life or perhaps someone may save YOURS.

​http://www.clinmed.rcpjournal.org/content/10/2/194.full