Knowing the Symptoms of Stroke Saves Lives

Dr. Zachary Lutsky earned his medical degree from the Chicago School of Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For over 12 years, Dr. Zachary Lutsky delivered medical care to trauma patients at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. 

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability for Americans and one of the major reasons for emergency room visits. Obtaining fast medical attention is key to recovering from a stroke and preventing long-term damage. Fatalities due to strokes have decreased in recent years due to easier access to treatment centers and an effective awareness campaign launched by many stroke and heart health associations.

One campaign has popularized the acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) to help people remember and identify the early symptoms of stroke. FAST means that if you notice face drooping, weakness in the arms, or slurred speech, now is the time to call 911 and request medical help. Arriving at the hospital within three hours of the first signs of stroke greatly reduces a patient’s likelihood of developing stroke-related disabilities later on.