...is it a STROKE?

This FAST PDF and Video were produced by the Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention and Control Program; Massachusetts Department of Health. Made possible with funding from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke is vital to beating a stroke. It is a responsibility shared by everyone. The quicker you react, the quicker a stroke can be stopped and the less damage it causes. Stroke usually occurs as a sudden change in condition and should always be considered a major medical emergency!

If you experience or witness the signs and symptoms call 911 immediately!

Common signs and symptoms are:

• Weakness, numbness or paralysis of face, arm or leg especially on one side of the body.
• Difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination.
• Problem with speaking, slurred speech, or inability to understand simple statements.
• Sudden severe headache, usually described as the worst headache of your life.
• Sudden change in vision, blurry, double, dimming or visual loss.

The WKNI Stroke Team recognizes stroke as a serious medical emergency and the diagnosis and prompt treatment of a stroke is the priority at Kettering Medical Center. Understanding the importance of immediate evaluation to decrease the chance of disability and increase the chance for improved function, we are committed to providing timely triage, accurate diagnosis using advanced technology, and the neurological expertise of our stroke team.