When Stroke Strikes

When stroke strikes What are the signs of a stroke? The FAST tips can help you quickly detect and respond to stroke symptoms. What happens when you have stroke? Depending on the locations of the stroke, different injuries may occur. RIGHT HEMISPHERE INJURY FACE Left-side paralysis: excessive talking: dysarthria (unclear articulation): short attention span; impulsive, quick behavioral style; memory problems: neglect on the left side of the body: neglect to the objects on the left side of the body. Sudden numbness of the face: sudden trouble seeing: sudden, severe headache or dizziness with no known cause. ARMS AND TORSO Sudden numbness of the arm or leg. especially on one side of the body: sudden trouble walking: loss of balance or coordina- tion. LEFT HEMISPHERE INJURY Right-side paralysis: difficulty in speech and language; slow, cautious behavioral style: memory problems. SPEECH CEREBELLUM INJURY Sudden confusion, trouble Coordination and balance problems: dizziness, nausea and vomiting: abnormal reflexes of head and trunk. talking or understanding. TIME BRAIN STEM INJURY Call 911 immediately when you identify the symptoms: long-term disability may be reduced if the stroke is treated Coma or low-level consciousness: unstable vital signs: nausea and vomiting: impaired swallowing: bilateral paralysis. within three hours of the start of symptoms. Stroke in the u.S. What can you do to prevent stroke? 60 under 65 • Exercise regularly. • Maintain regular medical checkups. • Maintain proper weight as determined by your medical provider. • Stop smoking. • If you are diabetic, monitor blood glucose and acetone levels. 8:7 2:1 30% Each year, stroke affects 120,000 women Stroke incidence among Every 45 seconds. someone in the u.S. will experience a stroke. Nearly 30 percent of those who suffer from a African-Americans is • Monitor blood cholesterol and lipids (fats). • Learn and practice stress reduction techniques. • Learn about nutrition and modify your diet as recommended by your physician or dietitian. and 105.000 men under the age of 45. almost double that of Caucasians. stroke are under the age of 65. Sources: americanstroke.org strokeassociation.org stroke.org strokecenterorg, theuniversityhospital.org strokeducation.into Annie.lianjacksonville.com