Recognizing a Stroke: Act FAST to Save a Life

Recognizing a Stroke: Act FAST to Save a Life
Date posted:  07-06-2025

What would you do if your loved one suddenly couldn't speak, smile, or even move, feeling completely helpless? When someone is going through a stroke, every second is of utmost importance. The longer a stroke goes untreated, the greater the risk of long-term disability or death. 

In this blog, we will delve deep into exploring how to recognize a stroke and what measures to be adopted to save a life. Yes, the key is, of course, ACT FAST. 

What Is a Stroke?

Why does a stroke happen? It happens when the brain's region is prevented from getting oxygen and nutrients when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. Types of strokes:

  • Ischemic stroke: When a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, ischemic stroke occurs. It cuts off oxygen and causes brain cells to die. 

  • Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, leading to bleeding and pressure that damages brain tissue. 

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA): When a temporary block to the blood flow occurs to the brain, this mini-stroke happens. Though symptoms settle quickly, TIA signals a serious stroke risk.

How to prevent a stroke?

  • Living a healthy lifestyle

  • Have regular check-ups 

  • Manage chronic conditions

What happens during a stroke?

During a stroke, millions of brain cells die each minute without oxygen. Immediate treatment is crucial, and quick action not only improves the chance of survival but also reduces the risk of permanent brain damage and disability.

What are the warning signs of a stroke?

  • An acronym, FAST, is used to help people remember the most common stroke symptoms. 

  • F implies facial paralysis: Does one side of the face look uneven? Ask the person to smile to check if numb or drooping is there on one side of the face.

  • A implies Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Check whether one arm is drifting downward or unable to rise.

  • S implies Speech difficulty: Check if speech is slurred or strange. Can the person repeat a simple sentence correctly?

  • T implies Time to call emergency services: If you observe any of the above signs, call emergency services immediately.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

Though FAST covers the important stroke symptoms, other symptoms need to be aware of:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one or either side of the body.

  • Sudden confusion, trouble understanding speech or speaking.

  • Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.

  • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.

  • Sudden severe headache.

If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, treat it as an emergency.

What are the risk factors of having a stroke?

Here, given certain risk factors of stroke. Some are controllable, and others are not:

Controllable Risk Factors:

  • High blood pressure

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

  • High cholesterol

  • Obesity

  • Physical inactivity

  • Excessive alcohol consumption

  • Heart conditions (atrial fibrillation)

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:

  • Age: Risk increases as you get older

  • Family history of stroke

  • Gender

  • Race

What is the immediate treatment for stroke?

  • Don't give them food, drink, or medication.

  • Call emergency services immediately.

  • Note the time symptoms started helps medical professionals determine the best treatment.

  • Stay with the person; keep them calm and comfortable. Lay them down with the head slightly elevated if they're conscious.

Treatment Options

What is the emergency treatment for stroke?

Ischemic Stroke

  • Intravenous thrombolytics (tPA)

  • Mechanical thrombectomy

  • Antiplatelet drugs 

  • Anticoagulants

  • Statins

Hemorrhagic Stroke

  • Medication to lower blood pressure

  • Medications to stop bleeding

  • Craniotomy

  • Aneurysm Clipping

  • Endovascular Embolization

  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

  • Immediate medical evaluation

  • Antiplatelet medications

  • Anticoagulants

  • Control blood pressure and cholesterol

  • Manage diabetes

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Surgery (To open narrowed neck arteries)

  • Life After Stroke

What is stroke recovery and rehabilitation?

Surviving a stroke often means facing a long road to recovery. Stroke rehabilitation is important which includes:

  • Physical therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Speech therapy. 

  • Emotional support for mental health challenges.

  • Support from families is important to help stroke survivors regain independence and confidence.

Why expert care matters

Strokes can strike without warning. Knowing what to look for and responding immediately can make all the difference. And seek immediate medical attention.

  • Believers Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (BINDS) specialises diagnosis, prevention and management of cerebrovascular disorders such as stroke by offering comprehensive care.

  • Believers Church Medical College Hospital, Thiruvalla, has been revolutionizing neurological care in Kerala with its compassionate care, state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, rehabilitation services, and most modern treatments.

  • Serving the community since 2014, Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla, has the best neurologists in our neurology department who are also experts in the field.

If you recognize any signs and symptoms of stroke, act FAST; delaying complicates the situation. Also, don't forget to share this knowledge with your loved ones. You might save a life.

 

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