A stroke is having loss of blood flow to part of the brain. It generally happens when there’s a blood clot that blocks an artery in the brain or a bleed in the brain. Strokes are very serious and can be life threatening. The faster the person having a stroke seeks treatment the less damage is caused to the brain. People 55 and older have a higher risk of having a stroke than anyone else.
Symptoms of having a stroke are having trouble speaking, understanding, and walking. They can also have numbness or paralysis of the face, leg, and arm. Stroke symptoms last more than 24hours generally and some of these symptoms may not be resolved.
FAST can help someone suffering from a stroke. Facial weakness, Arm or grip weakness, Speech disturbances, call 911, and then note the Time that the first symptom occurred. If you do not know this, then go off the first symptom you noticed.
If a person is responsive but not fully awake, having trouble breathing, and drooling then put them in the recovery position and monitor their condition until help arrives. Symptoms can be minor or obvious. Be prepared and know what to look for.