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Telltale Signs of a Stroke

  • Category: Stroke Education
  • Posted On:
  • Written By: Parrish Healthcare
Telltale Signs of a Stroke

Recognizing a Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical emergency that can cause lasting damage to the brain and body. Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer from a stroke, and about 140,000 of those strokes are fatal. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving the brain of oxygen. This can happen due to a blockage in an artery or a bleed in the brain.

There are many warning signs of a stroke, and it's important to be aware of them so that you can get help as soon as possible if you or someone you know experiences them.

Symptoms to Look Out For

The most common symptom of a stroke is a sudden onset of weakness or paralysis in one side of the body. This often manifests in the following symptoms:

  • Inability to raise one arm or leg.
  • Drooping face.
  • Sudden confusion.
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Dizziness and loss of balance.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as soon as possible. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment, as the sooner you can receive care, the better your chances are of making a full recovery.

Assess your risks of a stroke by visiting our website.

Remember to B.E. F.A.S.T

If you think someone is having a stroke, use the B.E. F.A.S.T acronym to help you remember these important symptoms to check, and the steps to take:

  • Balance: Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
  • Eyes: Is there sudden blurred or double vision or sudden, persistent vision trouble?
  • Face: Check for facial drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
  • Arms: Check for arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • Speech: Check for speech difficulty. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred or jumbled?
  • Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, time is critical. Call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as soon as possible.

Award-Winning Stroke Care in Florida

Keeping on track with your health is crucial and routine health screenings play a huge role. Our family practice locations offer regular checkups, physicals, and even referrals to specialists depending on your needs.

In 2004 PMC became the first health system in Brevard and third in the state of Florida to earn certification as a Primary Stroke Center. Every two years since 2004 this certification has been renewed, most recently in 2021. For over 12-years, Please contact our team to schedule an appointment or request more information.