Why is fast care so important for a stroke?
By Edgardo Alicaway, M.D.
Neurologist and Medical Director of the Seton Primary Stroke Center

Every minute counts during a stroke because with each passing minute, more brain cells expire and the risk of disability grows. If a patient comes to Seton’s Primary Stroke Center, he or she may be eligible to be treated with tPA, a clot-busting drug that can dissolve a clot immediately and restore proper blood flow to the brain. Patients who receive tPA within three hours of the onset of symptoms have a greater chance of recovering with minimal or no complications, such as problems with walking, speaking, and memory.

That’s why it’s critical to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately. To evaluate a stroke, use the acronym F.A.S.T. to evaluate these areas.

F.A.S.T. stands for:
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; can he or she do it? Are the words slurred?
Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, note the time when symptoms first appeared, know that a stroke is probable and that time is critical. Get help fast.