National Stroke Week 2024 encourages the community to know the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke so that they can save a life in the event of a loved one or yourself experiencing a stroke.
Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
• Face– Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
• Arms- Can they lift both arms?
• Speech– Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
• Time– Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
Did you know?
Every 19 minutes an Australian has a stroke, yet only 33% of Australians know 2 or more of the most common signs of stroke. That is a lot of people not getting to hospital in time for lifesaving treatment.
Every minute a stroke strikes, up to 1.9 million brain cells are attacked. The longer a stroke goes untreated the more damage it does, which can result in death and long-term disability.
Stroke and falls risk
The incidence of falls can range between 7% in the first week and 73% in the first year after experiencing a stroke. The level of falls risk among people who have had a stroke varies. Experiencing a stroke can impact a persons thinking and memory, vision, balance and mobility, nutritional intake and an increase in medication use. These factors can increase the risk of falls.
Understanding why falls are more likely after a stroke and taking steps to manage and reduce the risks is important for recovery and maintaining quality of life.
For more information on stroke prevention and awareness, or if you need support after experiencing a stroke, visit the Stroke Foundation website here.