DR. WAKKMAN

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. This makes immediate action critical.

Think F.A.S.T. to Detect a Stroke

Use the FAST acronym to quickly assess stroke signs:

• F - Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
• A - Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
• S - Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or hard to understand?
• T - Time to Call Hotline: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if they disappear, call our emergency hotline immediately.

Ischemic vs. Hemorrhagic Stroke

An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in an artery, whereas a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain (often an aneurysm). Hemorrhagic strokes often require emergency neurosurgical intervention to clip or coil the ruptured vessel and relieve pressure on the brain.