A stroke is another term for a blood clot that becomes dislodged within or travels to the brain, cutting off blood flow to specific areas of the brain beyond the clot. Strokes can cause physical and cognitive disability, including issues with walking, arm movement, speech, and memory. The sooner a stroke is identified and treatment has begun, the better chance of making a full recovery and minimizing the damage done to the body by this vascular event.

To remember how to identify a stroke, think of the acronym FAST.

F - Face. Ask the person to smile - one side of the face dr

May is American Stroke Month. A stroke occurs when a blood clot forms in the brain, or the brain begins to bleed. In the United States, someone will have a stroke every 40 seconds, and 1 in 6 people will have a stroke in their lifetime. [1]

Often, bystanders—a family member, friend, or even a stranger—is the first to recognize that someone may be having a stroke. The acronym my first aid instructor taught us to recognize signs of stroke is to think FAST!