b'Chapter hapterHow to RecogniseDue to the different areas of the brain that can be affected and damaged, the signs and symptoms of a stroke may vary. THINK F.A.S.T. / ACT FASTF.A.S.T. is a simple way for remembering the signs and symptoms of stroke.Facial weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?Speech difficulty - can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?Time to act fastseek medical attention immediatelyCall for an ambulanceOther common signs and symptoms of strokes include;Complaining of sudden, severe headache and sometimes blurred vision.Sudden feeling of weakness, paralysis, numbness that normally extendsinto the face, arm or leg, generally on one side of the body, but can be both sides.Confused emotional mental state that could be mistaken for drunkenness.Difficulty talking, understanding or swallowing.Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall.Nausea and vomiting.Unequal pupils.Gradual or sudden loss of consciousness.Patient may lose control of their bladder or bowel.Symptoms of stroke may also be caused by other conditions such as epilepsy, migraine or diabetes with low blood sugar, however the patient should be treated as suffering a stroke until proven otherwise.How to ManageConscious PatientHave the patient rest, lying down with head and shoulders slightly raised and supported onpillows. This will help reduce any additional pressure on the brain. To reduce the severity of permanent damage to the brain, urgent medical assistance is required. Every Minute Counts. Call Ambulance 000.Administer Oxygen if available and if trained to do so.Loosen any tight or restrictive clothing.Wipe away any vomit, saliva, secretions from the mouth. Give nothing to eat or drink.Support the affected side. Closely monitor patient for response, airway, normal breathing while waiting for Ambulance.Keep the patient warm and reassured.Unconscious PatientApply DRSABCD.Call Ambulance 000.Closely monitor patient for response, airway, normal breathing while waiting for Ambulance. Keep the patient covered, warm and comfortable.If a patient appears to be unconscious/unresponsive they may still be able to hear you. Generally hearing is the last sense to be lost, so be careful of what you say when managing a stroke patient.Medical Emergencies 209'