This page will help you prepare and respond appropriately to a stroke emergency.
When Does a Stroke Occur?
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain decreases or stops, preventing the brain from receiving oxygen and nutrients, which leads to the damage and death of brain cells.
A stroke can occur due to:
A stroke may be caused by bleeding in the brain or a blockage in blood flow.
The likelihood of having a stroke increases if there are risk factors such as:
- Smoking.
- Persistent high blood pressure.
- Obesity.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Having diabetes.
What are the Symptoms of a Stroke?
- Weakness in the muscles of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Vision problems in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, and loss of balance.
- Severe headache without a clear cause.
When a stroke occurs, remember the word "FAST," which is an acronym for the warning signs of a stroke, where each letter represents one of these signs:
| F | Face | Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? |
|---|---|---|
| A | Arms | Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or is it difficult to raise one arm? |
| S | Speech | Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase; is the speech slurred or strange? |
| T | Time | If you see any of these signs, call your country's emergency number immediately. |
How to Deal with a Stroke?
If you notice any of the mentioned signs in the affected person, head directly to the emergency department.
Emergency Numbers in Gulf Countries:
- Oman: 9999
- Saudi Arabia: 997
- Kuwait: 112
- Qatar: 999
- UAE: 998
- Bahrain: 999
- Yemen: 195
