Stroke & Stroke Warning Signs

What Is Stroke?

Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke).

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Help prevent death and disability by learning the signs and symptoms of stroke. Acting FAST can get patients the treatment they need to decrease the likelihood of brain damage.

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can the patient repeat the sentence correctly?

Time: Get the affected person to the hospital right away to receive the most effective stroke treatment.

If a person is having trouble with these basic commands, call 911 immediately.