A board-certified emergency medicine physician in Los Angeles, California, Zachary Lutsky attended the Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School. Zachary Lutsky served as an attending physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for 11 years. Cedars-Sinai holds Comprehensive Stroke Center certification and is one of the region’s top stroke-intervention facilities.
One of the top five causes of death in the United States, a stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked or bursts. To recognize the early warning signs of a stroke, the American Stroke Association recommends using the word FAST:
F: First, look for signs of a drooping face. When the person smiles, does his or her face look uneven?
A: Next, check for arm weakness. With both arms overhead, does one lower automatically?
S: Slurred speech and other speech difficulties can be another sign of stroke. Check if the person can repeat simple sentences.
T: If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 911. Prompt treatment for stroke can help minimize long-term effects.
