Knowing the possible signs, symptoms of a stroke is critical

Did you know that every 40 seconds someone experiences a stroke? In the U.S. alone, approximately 800,000 people have a stroke each year. Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain, and is a serious medical emergency. Be alert for possible stroke signs: F.A.S.T. is a straightforward way to remember the sudden signs and symptoms of a stroke.

Face drooping — Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?

Arm weakness — Is the arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech difficulty — Is the speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “the sky is blue”. Do they repeat the statement correctly?

Time to call 911 — If the person shows any of one these signs, even if the symptoms resolve and go away, call 9-1-1 and ensure they are transported to the hospital immediately by ambulance.

A typical stroke will not cause pain, which makes patients more likely to stay home and wait it out, or even go to bed to “sleep it off.” The best course of action is to seek medical treatment immediately by calling 9-1-1 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Do not drive yourself or your loved one to the hospital if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

EMS can communicate with the hospital that a possible stroke is happening and prepare for you or your loved one’s arrival. This swift medical response speaks volumes in improving stroke recovery. Clot-busting drugs and medical devices have made stroke largely treatable, but every second counts. The faster you are treated, the more likely you are to recover without permanent disability.

Wooster Community Hospital (WCH) Health System has taken a lead role in the north central Ohio area, providing emergency management of stroke in the acute care setting. The WCH stroke team offers a broad spectrum of hospital services to provide patients comprehensive stroke diagnosis and treatment from the moment they call the ambulance through rehabilitation and after-discharge services.

Wooster Community Hospital also has a stroke support group, The Step-by-Step Stroke Club, which meets monthly. The group is led by a Clinical Social Worker and provides information and support, not only for the patient after discharge, but for families as well.

Karrie N. Boss MSN, RN, CCRN, is the critical care clinical specialist/?stroke program coordinator at Wooster Community Hospital.

CREDIT: KARRIE N BOSS