World Stroke Day 2018: How To Recognise The Symptoms of A Stroke FAST!

Stroke is one of the biggest killers in the world today. A brain disorder, stroke is caused when a section of the brain stops receiving oxygenated blood. In the absence of oxygen, the brain cells get damaged or die off, resulting in death and disability. When it strikes, a stroke gives off some obvious symptoms. According to Dr PR Krishnan who is a consultant neurologist at Fortis, Bangalore, some signs of a stroke include numbness in the face, weakness of the arms and legs, paralysis on one side of the body, confusion, dizziness, severe headache, vision loss and unsteady gait. Recognising these symptoms can help someone get timely medical treatment, minimising the damage the stroke can cause. A group of stroke physicians developed FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) mnemonic to enhance the responsiveness of treatment. On World Stroke Day 2018, let’s learn how we can save a life. What Are the Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of This Deadly Disease?

FAST

F stands for Face. When a person suffers from a stroke, one side of his or her face may droop downwards, indicating a paralysis. Ask the person to smile. If the smile appears lopsided or uneven, it could be a sign of stroke.

A stands for Arms. Arm weakness is one of the sig