Health

National Stroke week 8-14 August

What is a stroke? 

Your brain is fed by blood carrying oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called arteries. A stroke happens when blood cannot get to your brain, because of a blocked or burst artery.

Stroke is always a medical emergency.

Call triple zero (000) at the first sign of a stroke.

Signs of a stroke

The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the signs of stroke. Using the FAST test involves asking three 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 – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away.

How is a TIA (Transient ischaemic attack) different?

TIA happens when the blood supply to your brain is blocked for a short time. A TIA has the same signs as a stroke, but the signs go away on their own. Often the signs only last for a few minutes.

Never ignore a TIA. Call triple zero (000) right away, 

even if the signs go away and you feel better.

For more information and signs of stroke go to: www.strokefoundation.org.au

Jenny Hill

College Nurse

Source: Stroke Foundation