Acting Fast in North Dakota: A Stroke Awareness Tale

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and I've been reflecting on a pretty wild experience my family and I went through a few years ago. It all started when we noticed my dad's speech was all slurred. It was super weird, and we knew something wasn't right.

But instead of freaking out, we sprang into action. We'd heard about the signs of a stroke before, and this seemed like a textbook case. So, we rushed him to the hospital without a second thought.

Luckily, our gut instinct was spot-on. The doctors acted quickly, and Dad got the treatment he needed pronto. It was a scary time, but you know what? He bounced back like a champ.

This whole ordeal really drove home the importance of knowing the signs of a stroke and acting fast. I mean, if we'd hesitated even for a moment, who knows how things would've turned out? So yeah, consider this my little PSA for Stroke Awareness Month. Trust your instincts, folks, and don't mess around when it comes to strokes. They're serious business.

According to North Dakota Health and Human Services, cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death in North Dakota and the United States.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke, often referred to as a "brain attack," occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen and vital nutrients, leading to their rapid deterioration. Strokes can have severe and lasting consequences, including paralysis, cognitive impairment, and even death.

The five types are:

• Ischemic stroke
• Hemorrhagic stroke
• Transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke)
• Brain stem stroke
• Cryptogenic stroke (stroke of unknown cause)

Know the Signs: Act FAST

One of the most critical aspects of stroke awareness is recognizing the signs and symptoms. The acronym FAST serves as a helpful tool in identifying a potential stroke:

• Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile—if their smile is uneven or lopsided, it could be a sign of a stroke.
• Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm is another common symptom. Ask the person to raise both arms—if one arm drifts downward or seems weaker than the other, it may indicate a stroke.
• Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking coherently can be a sign of a stroke. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence—if their speech is slurred or they struggle to articulate words, seek medical help immediately.
• Time to Call Emergency Services: Time is of the essence when dealing with a stroke. If you observe any of these signs, don't hesitate to call emergency services or seek medical attention. Every minute counts in minimizing the damage caused by a stroke.

Other Signs and Symptoms

While FAST is an excellent mnemonic for identifying stroke symptoms, it's essential to recognize that not all strokes present in the same way. Additional signs and symptoms may include:

• Sudden severe headache
• Difficulty walking or loss of balance
• Confusion or trouble understanding others
• Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision

Take Action: Spread Awareness

During Stroke Awareness Month and beyond, it's crucial to spread awareness about strokes and encourage others to learn about the signs and symptoms. Education is key in ensuring that individuals can recognize a stroke and act quickly, potentially saving lives and reducing the long-term impact of these devastating events.