Vocabulary Explanation
Stroke (中风): A medical condition where the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain damage.
Ischaemic Stroke (缺血性中风): A type of stroke caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain.
Haemorrhagic Stroke (出血性中风): A type of stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel bleeding into the brain.
Blood Clot (血栓): A mass that forms when blood hardens from a liquid to a solid, often blocking blood flow.
Arteries (动脉): Blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the body, including the brain.
Oxygen (氧气): A vital gas that cells need to function and survive.
F.A.S.T: An acronym used to remember the signs of a stroke:
F (面部无力): Facial weakness
A (手臂无力): Arm weakness
S (语言问题): Speech problems
T (时间): Time to call emergency services
Facial Weakness (面部无力): Drooping or inability to move one side of the face.
Arm Weakness (手臂无力): Difficulty in raising one arm due to muscle weakness.
Speech Problems (语言问题): Difficulty in speaking, slurred speech, or inability to understand speech.
Emergency Number (急救电话): A phone number used to call for immediate medical help.
Listening
Reading
Q: Can you explain what a stroke is?
A: A stroke is a kind of brain attack. There are two main types of stroke. The most common is called ischaemic stroke - this type of stroke disrupts the blood supply to the brain. The second type is called haemorrhagic stroke. During this stroke, a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain.
Q: I see. So stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is blocked?
A: That's right. A blood clot often blocks one of the main arteries to the brain. Oxygen is prevented from getting to brain tissues. This causes the signs and symptoms of stroke.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of stroke?
A: The acronym F.A.S.T helps you remember the signs and symptoms of stroke. It stands for face, arms, speech and time.
Q: What do you mean?
A: It refers to the 3 main signs of a stroke: F stands for 'facial weakness'. After a stroke, people find it hard to smile. Their mouth might droop on one side too - sometimes one eye droops as well. 'A' stands for 'arm'. After a stroke, a person finds it difficult to raise the arm of their affected side.
Q: You said S stands for 'speech', right?
A: Yes. S stands for 'speech' or having problems speaking. Some people slur their words and may even sound drunk. Others may not be able to speak at all or understand what you are saying.
Q: What does the last letter stand for?
A: T stands for 'time' - the time it takes to call the emergency number. If emergency help is given quickly, damage to brain tissues can be minimised. So, in summary, F.A.S.T stands for the signs of stroke and the time it takes to get help. It also recommends fast action, so strokes can be treated as quickly as possible.
Quiz
