What to Do When You Think a Parent Has Had a Stroke

ByAdministrator Developer

A stroke is a medical emergency. Every minute matters. Knowing what to look for and what to do can save your parent’s life or prevent serious brain damage.

Use the FAST test:

F — Face drooping. Ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is the smile uneven?

A — Arm weakness. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down or feel weak?

S — Speech problems. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, strange, or hard to understand?

T — Time to call 911. If you see ANY of these signs, call 911 immediately. Do not drive them yourself. Do not wait to see if it gets better.

While you wait for the ambulance:

  • Keep them calm and still
  • Do not give them food, water, or medication
  • Note the exact time the symptoms started — the doctors will need this
  • Unlock the front door so paramedics can get in

Other stroke warning signs:

  • Sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side
  • Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
  • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause
  • Sudden dizziness or loss of balance

Do not wait. Do not try to drive to the hospital yourself. Ambulances have equipment that can begin treatment on the way. Call 911.

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