Acting FAST saves stroke victims’ lives – but can YOU spot the signs?
THIS Saturday marks World Stroke Day, a campaign which works to raise awareness for the fatal brain condition.
Around 110,000 people are victim to stroke in the UK every year, and it is the third largest cause of death for Brits.
The deadly condition can affect people of all ages and is sometimes linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
According to the , “Stroke occurs approximately 152,000 times a year in the UK; that’s one every 3 minutes and 27 seconds.”
Statistics show that one in eight people die within 30 days of suffering a stroke, making it crucial for Brits to be able to recognise the signs.
The quicker a person receives treatment, the more likely they are to survive.
Using the FAST test method can help recognise key symptoms of stroke…
If you spot any signs of a fallen face, arm weakness or speech problems, sufferers are urged to get help immediately by dialling 999.
Although these problems seem simple to spot, there can also be more subtle and sudden warning signs of stroke.
Other symptoms of stroke include:
- sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- difficulty finding words
- sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
- sudden confusion, dizziness or unsteadiness
- a sudden and severe headache
- difficulty understanding what others are saying
- difficulty swallowing
WHAT IS A STROKE?
A stroke is a brain attack, and happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted.
Blood carries oxygen to the brain, and without it brain cells will begin to die off.
This is what causes the damage to other parts of the body, in stroke victims – for example speech problems or a weakness on one side.
There are two different types of stroke.
An ischaemic stroke is the most common, and is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain.
In contrast a haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
If any of these symptoms occur for less than a few hours, it’s likely that you could be suffering from a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
This attack, which is sometimes known as a ‘mini-stroke’, indicates that there is a problem with the blood supply to your brain.
It’s important to contact your GP or local hospital if experiencing these symptoms, as they could increase your risk of stroke in the near future.