Numbness or tingling in the fingers is called paresthesia, and can be a sign of a stroke. This event occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, reducing oxygen and nutrients. Strokes are a medical emergency and can cause damage within minutes. The acronym FAST helps people remember the symptoms to check for: face, arms, speech, and time. Ask the person to smile, raise their arms, or repeat a simple phrase. If one side of the face is droopy, one arm or both are unable to raise, or they cannot repeat a phrase properly, the person requires immediate medical attention.

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