A stroke can happen at any time, and it can happen to both males and females of any age. Identifying the symptoms of a stroke is very vital to saving lives. A stroke happens when oxygenated blood flow to the brain is blocked. This blockage can be caused by either a blood clot or an aneurysm.
In 2022, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada published a study, which revealed that annual stroke occurrence rates in Canada have increased to 108,707 or approximately one stroke victim every 5 minutes. This data was based on the number of stroke events resulting in hospital or emergency/urgent care department presentation across Canada in 2017-2018.
Reference: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/what-we-do/media-centre/news-releases/stroke-in-canada-is-on-the-rise
The following are signs and symptoms of a stroke using the acronym B. E. F. A. S.T.
B – Balance. Check if the person is off balance when walking or showing signs of dizziness.
E – Eyes. Are the eyes deviated to one side, or is the person experiencing blurred vision that does not go away when they blink.
F – Face. There will be a drooping or abnormal facial movement to one side of the face.
A – Arms. Numbness or weakness in one arm and the person is experiencing difficulty lifting his/her arms?
S – Speech. Speech may be slurred, or the person may be unable to; or is incoherent.
T- Time. Waste no time… Call 911 immediately.
Be informed, be vigilant, and if you think you or someone else might be having a stroke, BE FAST – call 911. Your quick response could save a life.