Final answer:
The warning signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body. The mnemonic FAST helps identify strokes, with urgent medical care being vital for treatment and recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. A stroke, which can also be known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a serious medical condition where blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, resulting in tissue damage and loss of brain function. The signs of a stroke can be remembered with the mnemonic FAST, representing Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services.
There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots, while hemorrhagic strokes result from the bursting of a weak blood vessel. Factors that can increase the risk of a stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. Immediate treatment is crucial and can include drugs to dissolve clots or, following a stroke, medications to manage blood pressure and therapies like physical therapy.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, involves similar symptoms that go away on their own in less than an hour or two. Despite the temporary nature of a TIA, it is still a serious warning sign of a possible future stroke, and medical attention should be sought immediately.