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Stroke<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The blood supply to the brain is very delicate, and any event that compromises this flow of blood to structures in the brain can result in a stroke. A stroke is a life-changing medical event that affects individuals of any age, although it is mostly reported in the elderly.<\/p>\n How do you know if someone is having a stroke?<\/span><\/p>\n A stroke can present in different ways and immediate recognition is the most important step in minimizing damage and preventing long-term disability in affected individuals.<\/p>\n The acronym FAST<\/strong> is a tool that was devised by medical professionals to help recognize if someone is having a stroke. Over the years, this acronym has saved thousands of people from sudden death due to lack of information.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n F- Face drooping<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Face drooping is one important feature of stroke that first appears in many cases. Check their facial symmetry and ask them to smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A- Arm Weakness<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Weakness of one half of the body is another common symptom of stroke. You may notice reduced ability to use either the arms or legs when having a stroke. In severe instances, the affected half does not move at all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n S- Speech Difficulty<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The part of the brain that controls speech is sometimes affected in a stroke. In some cases, the tongue is affected and slurring of speech results.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n T- Time<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Time is the most important factor once you identify a stroke. IMMEDIATELY<\/span> call for help<\/span> by reaching out to the nearest emergency medical services.<\/p>\n What if the stroke does not have the typical symptoms?<\/span><\/p>\n A stroke may present differently from the typical symptoms. You may experience confusion, sudden visual problems or just numbness on one side of your body.<\/p>\n Sudden onset of severe headache may point to rupture of blood vessels within the brain which is a life-threatening condition that needs prompt intervention.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What causes a stroke?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n A stroke can broadly be classified as either an ischemic stroke or a hemorrhagic stroke.<\/p>\n Listed below are some known causes of stroke:<\/p>\n– <\/span>Does their face appear droopy on one side?<\/div>\n– <\/span>When they smile, does it appear to be uneven?<\/div>\n– <\/span>Can they lift up both arms without difficulty?<\/div>\n– <\/span>Is one arm drifting as they try to raise it together?<\/div>\n– <\/span>Can they hold a pen without difficulty?<\/div>\n– <\/span>Can they repeat a simple sentence after you without slurring their words?<\/div>\n– <\/span>Are they struggling to say the right words, or is it difficult to understand their speech?<\/div>\n\u25cf <\/span>Hypertension<\/div>\n\u25cf <\/span>Heart diseases such as atrial fibrillation<\/div>\n\u25cf <\/span>Diabetes<\/div>\n\u25cf <\/span>Aging<\/div>\n