QUESTION: How to help if stroke is suspected?
Suspicion of a stroke requires immediate action, as the speed of medical assistance determines the person's life and degree of recovery. For a quick assessment of the condition, the international FAST method is used, which helps to recognize key symptoms of a dangerous condition in time.
The first step is to evaluate facial expressions. Ask the victim to smile broadly or try to show their teeth. During a stroke, a noticeable asymmetry is observed when one corner of the mouth remains lowered and the face is skewed to one side.
The second step checks the work of the upper extremities. Ask the person to raise both arms in front of them parallel to the floor and close their eyes. If one hand involuntarily drops, weakens, or the person cannot raise it at all, this indicates a neurological deficit.
The third step evaluates speech function. Ask the victim to say a simple sentence, such as their name or the current date. Speech during a stroke becomes slurred, blurred, words get mixed up, or the person cannot formulate a thought at all.
The fourth and most important step is time. If you notice at least one of these signs, you must immediately call an ambulance at 103 or