Spotting stroke signs quickly

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and I hope you will see this information multiple times - it's very important. But through my trusty Google alerts, I found a nice presentation of  signs of stroke:

"When someone has a stroke, they may show either slight or extremely noticeable physical changes," Dr. Randolph Marshall, chief of the stroke division at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, said in a hospital news release. "The most effective way to prevent the permanent damage associated with stroke is to recognize the signs of an attack and to seek medical attention immediately."

Dizziness and trouble walking, loss of vision in one or both eyes and a severe headache that comes on suddenly for no apparent reason are other signs that someone is having a stroke. Early treatment, however, can prevent or possibly reverse the damage caused by strokes. The experts advised remembering the acronym "FAST" to help people recognize a stroke sooner and reduce any long-term damage:

• F for Face: Does someone's face look uneven?
• A for Arm: Do you notice one arm hanging down?
• S for Speech: Check for slurred speech or other signs of trouble speaking.
• T for Time: Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Please click on the link above and read all of it. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the country's fourth largest cause of death. Taking quick action might make a huge difference.