Quick medical intervention for a person having a stroke greatly increases their prospects for an eventual return to their pre-stroke quality of life.
It is crucial that people recognize the signs of stroke because "every minute counts," stresses
Dr. Ashfaq Shuaib, director of the stroke program at Edmonton's University of Alberta Hospital.
"Too often, people don't seek immediate help because stroke symptoms are 'negative.' Unlike a heart attack, which is often very painful, stroke involves a loss of function, such as difficulty speaking."
Experts urge people to remember the acronym FAST:
Face – Is it drooping?
Arms – Can you raise both?
Speech – Is it slurred or jumbled?
Time – Time to call 9-1-1 right away.
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