Clarian Neuroscience Encourages FAST Action in Response to Stroke Symptoms

05/19/09

INDIANAPOLIS - Clarian Neuroscience is celebrating American Stroke Awareness Month in May by educating people about the dangers of stroke - and reminding everyone to seek immediate medical help if they think they may be experiencing symptoms of a stroke. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the US and the number one cause of disability in America.

Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke is crucial for saving lives as the odds for survival and recovery greatly improve with prompt treatment within the first few hours of symptom onset. But unfortunately, many people who experience stroke symptoms don't recognize them, often choosing to go to sleep rather than call 911. The failure to receive the most immediate and appropriate treatment has too often led to the death or disability of the 750,000 Americans who experience a stroke each year.

"If you have a stroke and come to the hospital immediately, there is a time window that's soon enough to be considered for clot-busting medicine. We can help," says James Fleck, MD, medical director of stroke services for Clarian Neuroscience at Methodist Hospital and assistant professor of neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Common symptoms of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg - especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause (may feel like the worst headache ever)

Respond quickly (Act FAST):

If you think someone is having a stroke, act FAST to recognize it and get immediate help.

F - Face, Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A - Arms, Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S - Speech, Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the person repeat the sentence correctly or slur the words?

T - Time If the person has any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately and get to a hospital fast.

Prevention Tips

Eighty percent of all strokes are preventable. While a stroke cannot always be prevented, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your risk.

• Control your blood pressure
• Find out if you have heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation (or irregular heartbeat)
• Stop smoking
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Lower your cholesterol
• If you have diabetes, consult with your doctor on how best to manage the disease
• Exercise
• Enjoy a lower sodium (salt), lower fat diet
• Ask your doctor if you have circulation problems
• Know the symptoms of a stroke and act FAST to get help!

About Clarian Neuroscience - Clarian Neuroscience - based at Methodist Hospital and Indiana University Hospital in downtown Indianapolis - is a recognized leader in stroke care and has been designated as a primary stroke center by the Joint Commission. This designation recognized medical facilities that make exceptional efforts to improve care for stroke patients. Clarian Neuroscience follows written protocols for treating stroke; has neurosurgeons on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and provides a dedicated stroke unit to provide expert nursing care to its patients. Clarian Neuroscience also has the largest group of interventional neuroradiologists in the state, who treat strokes and other neurological conditions with the most minimally-invasive techniques.

For more information on stroke prevention and treatment visit www.ACallToChange.org. To request your free stroke packet, call 317-962-2533.

For more information about Clarian Neuroscience, please contact Gene Ford at 317-962-4576.