Someone in the US experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and someone in the US dies of stroke every 3 minutes, 14 seconds. These are grim statistic to keep in mind during National Stroke Awareness month. But there is some comfort in knowing that strokes can be treated if you’re able to get help fast.
Strokes can occur suddenly when an artery in the body is blocked or an artery in the brain is ruptured. With quick and efficient medical attention, you can lower the chances of a long-term disability and fatality. That’s why knowing the signs and being proactive in seeking care can make all the difference.
The aptly coined acronym “BEFAST” is a helpful tool that guides you through helping yourself or a loved one through a stroke. Learn more about how to BEFAST below, and read all about the signs of a stroke you should be paying attention to.
Signs of a stroke
General signs of a stroke include:
- Numbness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of your body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding others
- Sudden confusion and mental fogginess
- Sudden vision issues in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, incoordination and trouble walking
- Sudden migraine headache
Signs of a stroke tend to look the same in men and women, but signs can be less intense in women and are often overlooked. In addition to the signs listed above, women may also feel the following symptoms before stroke:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Mind fogginess and memory issues
- Nausea and vomiting
Remember BEFAST to help identify a stroke
This is where the acronym BEFAST comes in. It’s a helpful resource to help recognize if someone is having a stroke and what you should do.
B: Balance problems
Someone is suddenly unable to stay balanced, experiencing dizziness and struggling to walk.
E: Eyesight problems
Someone suddenly experiences blurry vision and sees double or black.
F: Face muscle drooping
One side of the face is dropping and unable to function as normal.
A: Arm numbness
One arm suddenly feels numb or weak and cannot be raised simultaneously with the other.
S: Speech difficulties
Someone is blurring their speech, speaking incoherently or unable to repeat phrases.
T: Time to call for help
If you or someone is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, especially to one side of the body, call 911 immediately. Quick medical care is vital in preventing serious long-term harm or disability.
Possible causes of a stroke
While there are risk factors of stroke that can’t be changed, like family history or gender, some are preventable.
Below is a list of possible stroke risk factors that can be managed:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- An excess of alcohol
- Drug usage
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
For more advice on managing heart health, here are nine tips to help lower your risk of heart disease and what to do if someone is experiencing a heart attack.
