John R. Marler

Having a stroke is serious business. It's important that you recognize the signs of stroke and know how to respond — calling 911 is imperative. After you get treated for stroke, be sure to leave the hospital with all the information you need to help you recover and make a list of relevant medical information to keep nearby when you get home again.

Knowing how to recognize the signs of stroke will help you act faster in response. The onset of stroke is typically sudden. Being aware of major signs and responding to them as rapidly as they occur is critical in order to minimize damage to your brain, improve chances of recovery — and even save your life. The FAST way to recognize stroke: F — Face numbness or weakness, especially on one side A — Arm numbness or weakness, especially on one side S — Speech slurring or difficulty speaking or understanding T — Time to call 911 if these occur suddenly or are accompanied by loss of vision, loss of balance with dizziness, or the worst headache of your life with no known cause, both sudden and severe.

Stroke happens quickly and you need to act just as quickly in order to save as much brain as possible. Whether you're experiencing the stroke yourself or watching as a loved one or friend is suddenly attacked by symptoms, memorize these steps: Call 911 immediately: Don't delay, don't call people for advice — call 911.

When you're ready to leave the hospital after your stroke, you want to depart with all the information and paperwork that will make your transition as smooth as possible. Use the following list to check that you have everything you need: Diagnosis, including type and location of stroke Summary of all of yo

As stroke survivors navigate their way toward recovery, certain information about their physical condition come into play again and again. Keep the following details close at hand — write them down, copy them, post one copy on the refrigerator, put one in your wallet, and give copies to your caretakers. Physi