Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States.
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so it and brain cells die.
Three Types of Stroke
The different types of stroke include:
- Transient ischemic attack — or TIA is sometimes referred to as a “mini stroke”, is caused by a temporary clot.
- Ischemic stroke — is caused by a clot obstructing the flow of blood to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke — occurs when a blood vessel breaks and blood leaks or spills into the brain tissue.
Stroke Symptoms
By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.
F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Use the letters in F.A.S.T. to spot a Stroke
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911