Remember time lost is brain lost!
Image Credit: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Strokes are the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in Coloradoans. Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke is key to survival. Time lost is brain lost, and the faster someone experiencing a stroke can get care in a hospital, the better their chances for recovery are. Knowing the signs of stroke is important because of what healthcare providers refer to as the Golden Hour. People experiencing a stroke have a much greater chance of surviving and avoiding long-term brain damage if they get to the hospital and receive treatment within the first hour of experiencing a stroke. Remember BE FAST and call 911 immediately to get your loved one care as fast as possible! If you notice someone:
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- Is experiencing Balance problems.
- Have they lost balance suddenly?
- Have they lost their coordination suddenly?
- Can their Eyes see properly?
- Are they experiencing sudden blurry vision?
- Have they lost their vision in one or both eyes suddenly?
- Is experiencing Face drooping.
- Does one side of their face look like it is drooping or not moving?
- If they try to speak or blink are both sides moving or only one?
- Ask them to smile. Are both sides of their lips moving? Is one side drooping?
- Is experiencing Arm weakness.
- Ask them to raise their arms at the same time, are they struggling with one arm or both?
- Is one arm moving easier than the other or is one arm drifting downwards?
- Is experiencing Speech difficulties.
- Can they find their words easily or repeat a simple sentence like “the sky is blue”?
- Is their speech slurred?
- Then it is TIME TO CALL 911!
- Is experiencing Balance problems.
Other signs to look for include:
- Someone is experiencing sudden dizziness, trouble with walking, or loses balance or coordination suddenly.
- Someone experiences a sudden, severe, headache with no known cause.
- Someone experiences sudden numbness in their face, arm, or leg.
- Someone experiences sudden confusion or trouble understanding others.
The most important thing is to call 911 and get them to the emergency as quickly as possible. If you are concerned about the COVID-19 Pandemic, getting your loved one to the hospital for care is more important. Remember, time lost is brain lost. All hospitals have taken precautions to protect their patients, providers and staff from COVID-19 as best as they can. Do not let the fear of COVID-19 infection preclude you helping your loved ones get care.
Other Resources to learn the signs of stroke:
CDC Stroke Information Page
StrokeAwareness.com – Know the Symptoms and Signs of Stroke Videos and Information
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Recognizing the Signs of Stroke
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Perspectives of a Stroke from Victim and Witness
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada – Stroke Warning Signs
British Red Cross – Recognize the Signs of a Stroke and First Aid
UHN- Minor Stroke Caught on Video and Accompanying Article
American Heart Association Colorado Fact Sheet
Refer to these infographics for more information:
Colorado Stroke Advisory Board 