Recognizing Stroke Symptoms F.A.S.T.

In the United States alone there are approximately 700,000 cases of stroke each year, making stroke the third leading cause of U.S. mortality. About 500,000 of these are first attacks and 200,000 are recurrent attacks. On average, a stroke- or brain attack- occurs every 45 seconds, and every 3.1 minutes someone dies of a stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. In 2003, Americans paid about $51 billion in stroke-related medical costs and lost productivity. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA) and the National Stroke Association (NSA), stroke accounts for about half of all patients hospitalized for acute neurological disease. To reduce the number of brain attacks, a coordinated public education effort, integrated emergency response, and a multidisciplinary treatment teams are needed.

Because "time is brain," healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable about new stroke care standards to manage these patients quickly and appropriately. Management and treatment of cerebrovascular disease is a rapidly advancing science. The literature identifies under-utilization of prevention strategies, lack of symptom recognition, and healthcare access

The National Stroke Association has developed the F.A.S.T. acronym to assist in assessing symptoms of stroke. The following simple test can help to identify stroke symptoms. Should the following symptoms be present, it is imperative to dial 911, and note the time of onset of symptoms . . . this will be an important aspect of treatment for the healthcare provider.

ABOUT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO,) Memorial Hospital, is known as a leader in quality, compassionate healthcare with a reputation maintained through excellent staff, along with programs of technological advances, growth and expansion to meet the ongoing needs of the community. Memorial Hospital serves the entire First Coast area.