"I feel like I'm having a stroke!" - Zosia, 14

2020-10-29

It is probably safe to say that “FAST – face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to get help” is one of the most important mnemotechnic verses. Since approximately 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke every year,[1] it is especially crucial to raise awareness of its signs. Patients do not always have a history of pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or heart failure, or do not always meet the criteria for a stroke. They can be of every age and have any unremarkable medical history. Zosia, a 14-year-old student from Michigan, USA, is one of them.

Her story shows that a rapid response from the surrounding community is critical to the outcome of the stroke: by restoring blood flow to the brain in a timely manner, Zosia can lead a normal life.