FAST Response to Stroke can Prevent Disabilities Do you know the signs and symptoms of a stroke? Simply understanding the symptoms means that you can be prepared to prevent disabling future complications when a loved one suffers a stroke. Jumping into action is critical, and an easy-to-remember mnemonic can help you remember the symptoms to look out for: FAST .
Face - Does one side of the face droop, or is it asymmetrical? • Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or is it unable to rise and appears weak or limp? • Speech - Look for slurred, nonsensical, or strange speech or inability to speak. • Time - If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911 “The sooner we can get to the patient, whether medication or surgery is needed, the chances are better for the best outcome,” explained Mazen AbuAwad, MD, Board Certified in Diagnostic Neurointerventional Radiology at NCH.
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“We say that ‘time is brain.’ Every minute a stroke is left untreated, brain cells die – an average of two million cells per minute – due to oxygen deprivation. So, the avoidance of permanent disability is based on time response.” At NCH, advanced cutting-edge technology is utilized to deliver the fastest response possible for stroke victims so that clot-busting drugs or interventional radiology services can begin as soon as possible. According to Shawn King, APRN, there are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are the most common, accounting for nearly 85% of all strokes, which are caused by atrial fibrillation or a blood clot blocking the blood vessel. Hemorrhagic strokes, which are less common, are mostly related to a ruptured aneurysm or bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured vessel.
The NCH stroke team, including Dr. AbuAwad and stroke neurologist Victoria Totoraitis, MD, MPH, utilizes a highly effective national stroke program that speeds assessment and decision-making. Within 10 minutes of arrival to the E.R., the patient undergoes a brain scan, and a stroke specialist is able to see the patient via robot tele-neurology. “Then, the specialists use the Viz.ai (artificial intelligence) software via a cell phone app to view and evaluate the images in real-time and formulate a plan – all within 20 minutes of arrival,” explained Dr. AbuAwad. If patients qualify for clot-busting medication, NCH is able to administer those drugs within 24 minutes upon arrival; beating the 60-minute national benchmark. If surgical intervention is necessary to open a clot-blocked blood vessel, it is done within 120 minutes. NCH has been the recipient of many awards for its stroke response efforts and is the only Joint Commission-certified Stroke Center in Collier County. NCH also carries a Comprehensive Stroke Center designation through the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). For more information about the NCH Stroke Program, visit nchmd.org or contact Brenda Hartmann MSN, RN, SCRN, System Stroke Coordinator, at (239) 624-4172 or email brenda.hartmann@NCHmd.org .
If you suspect a stroke, implement FAST:
SPEECH Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is his or her speech slurred or strange?
TIME If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
FACE Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or is unable to rise and is weak or limp?
Ways to help prevent stroke:
• Control high blood pressure (hypertension) • Lower the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet • Quit smoking • Manage diabetes • Maintain a healthy weight • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables • Exercise regularly
Risk factors for stroke:
• Hypertension • Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes • Smoking • High cholesterol • Overweight • Age • Family History of stroke • Those of African American descent • Previous incidence of a TIA (mini-stroke)
• Drink alcohol in moderation, or not at all • Treat obstructive sleep apnea (O.S.A.) • Avoid illegal drugs
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NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM | Helping everyone live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
MAY 2021
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