The after-effects of a stroke can take a tremendous toll on the human body, which is why it's so important to seek emergency assistance as soon as possible. Blood flow to the brain stops during these attacks, and if left untreated, they can lead to disabilities throughout the body and the need for physical therapy. The more you know about strokes, the earlier you will be able to catch them, so watch for a few key symptoms to act as quickly as possible.

How to Catch a Stroke Early

The Keys to Acting FAST

Catching a stroke early is the key to minimizing its harmful effects, which is why the National Stroke Association emphasizes the importance of the Act FAST system. FAST is an acronym that makes it easier to remember the warning signs of strokes, with the letters representing Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. Breaking those down further is the key to understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek help.

When it comes to a person's face, make note of uneven smiles or drooping areas. Warning signs in the arms include weakness or numbing sensations. You should ask them to raise both arms and see if one drifts down or remains unsteady while in the air. Strokes tend to cause speech to be slurred as well. Come up with a short phrase for the person to repeat to make sure they're speaking clearly. As for the final letter, time is of the essence, so call 911 for emergency assistance right away if you notice any of these signs. Catching a stroke in its early stages may prevent or reduce the need for physical therapy.

Further Warning Signs to Remember

Both men and women may exhibit the above warning signs when experiencing a stroke, as well as additional symptoms such as blurred vision, weakness, nausea, and loss of balance or coordination. There are also a few warning signs unique to each, all of which can happen unexpectedly and quickly. Signs for men include sudden headaches with no discernible cause as well as dizziness. Women may experience shortness of breath, pain, fainting, seizures, hiccups, irritation, hallucination, and sudden behavioral changes, so act fast if anything out of the ordinary occurs. Make note of the time you spot these signs as well, because every piece of information helps in the treatment, recovery, and physical therapy processes.

Even when you catch a stroke relatively early, there could still be a long road to recovery ahead. For a compassionate physical therapy solution, residents of Honolulu, HI, can call upon the home health care specialists at CareResource Hawaii. They provide a full range of physical and speech therapy services, and they assist all their employees as they maintain certifications and continue to expand their ability to provide unparalleled care. Visit their website for more information, or call them at (808) 691-4663 to speak with a member of their staff.