May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and the nation’s emergency physicians want to remind Americans to act FAST if they think they are or someone near them is having a stroke, otherwise known as a brain attack. Time lost is brain lost: A one-minute delay could cost you two million brain cells. Knowing stroke’s symptoms and acting fast can make the difference between life and death, for you or someone you know.
Remember the acronym FAST for the most common stroke symptoms:
- F for Face: Weakness or a drooping, crooked smile; sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- A for Arms: Weak or drooping arm
- S for Speech: Slurred speech, or inability to understand or be understood, inability to speak
- T for Time: Time = Brain. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Almost half of all stroke patients arrive at the ER by their own means. Dr. Edward C. Jauch, Associate Director of Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, strongly advises against it. He says, “If you or someone near you is exhibiting any sign of stroke, call 911: Transport by an ambulance is best for getting to the ER. Patients arriving by ambulance receive faster evaluation by ER staff and physicians, and undergo CAT scans faster upon arrival at the ER. In addition, the EMS personnel can mobilize resources - such as CAT scan and Stroke Teams - at the hospital ahead of the patient’s arrival. If you arrive on foot, you may lose precious tim waiting to be seen. Remember: time = brain.”
Stroke afflicts 700,000 people per year in this country, killing 157,000 of them. Stroke is also a leading cause of long-term disability, and the longer you wait to get help, the higher your risk of permanent disability. Stroke does not discriminate, and although some people are at higher risk than others due to lifestyle and family history, anyone can have a stroke. Treatable risk factors include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart problems.
People often wait to see if their symptoms will go away and unwittingly put themselves in greater danger. Symptoms that last for only a few minutes and then subside may indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIAs are serious medical events and require treatment; they are also a potential warning sign of more dangerous stroke in the future. Seeking medical care during a TIA may help physicians prevent future stroke.
If you are having a stroke, you may not be able to communicate what is happening in order to get help. Therefore it is essential that everyone recognize the symptoms of stroke. If someone near you is experiencing stroke symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number FAST. You could just save a life.
ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 23,000 members. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information, visit www.acep.org.