Know the signs of a stroke

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Know the signs of a stroke

Stroke is a traumatic brain injury which may either be caused by bleeding in the brain, or by a blood clot blocking a vessel supplying the brain with nutrients and oxygen in the blood.

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For every minute that passes after the onset of a stroke, more brain cells are being damaged, further reducing the person's prospects for recovery and chances of survival.

Stroke is a medical emergency

Do not put off medical attention, even if the symptoms disappear.

B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of a stroke.

  • Balance
    Sudden difficulty maintaining balance.
  • Eyes
    The person may experience problems with their vision, including loss of sight in one eye or blurry vision.
  • Facial drooping
    Weak facial muscles often cause facial asymmetry as one side of the face starts to droop. Ask the individual to smile, and check if one side of their face is drooping.
  • Arm or leg weakness
    The person may feel weak in one or both of their arms or legs, and may feel numb on one side of their body. They may also have poor coordination, with difficulty walking or standing up. Ask the person to close their eyes and then to raise both arms in front of them. Note whether one arm drifts downward. Arm drifting may be a sign of a stroke.
  • Speech difficulty
    The person may slur words, use words incorrectly or may not be able to speak. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence such as “You can't teach an old dog new tricks”. If the person's speech is difficult to understand, it may be a sign of a stroke.
  • Time
    If someone has these symptoms, immediately call an emergency medical service provider. Netcare 911 can be reached on 082 911. Take note of the time the stroke began or was first noticed. Do not put off medical attention, even if the symptoms disappear. Time is brain!

Reducing the damage caused by a stroke

Nowadays there is much healthcare professionals can do to reduce the severity of the stroke damage, but it is absolutely crucial to get emergency medical care for a stroke victim as soon as possible. Even a matter of minutes can make a big difference to the person’s outcome and survival.