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What to watch for:
Unsteadiness when standing or walking.
Dizziness with no apparent cause.
Loss of control of movements or muscle spasms.
Test to do:
Ask the person to walk in a straight line. If they stagger or have difficulty standing, react immediately.
What to do if you notice these signs? Think FAST!
If you suspect a stroke, every second counts. Use the FAST method to quickly identify the signs:
F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A (Arms): Ask them to raise both arms. Does one of them go down involuntarily?
S (Speech): Ask them to say a simple sentence. Does their voice sound confused or abnormal?
T (Time): If any of these signs appear, call the emergency services immediately (15 or 112 in France).
Why acting quickly can save a life
A stroke can cause irreversible brain damage if it is not treated quickly. The faster the medical intervention, the better the chances of recovery.
Even if the symptoms disappear quickly, see a doctor immediately: this could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a warning of a more serious stroke to come.
Remember: stroke does not only affect older people. If you experience these symptoms, whatever your age, see a doctor without delay.
Remember
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