Health Column: Knowing stroke signs and acting fast can save lives
Every second matters when it comes to stroke.
That’s why it’s important to understand both the warning signs of stroke and the steps we can take to reduce risk. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Without prompt treatment, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
As a physician who treats stroke patients, I have seen firsthand how rapid recognition and treatment can dramatically improve recovery and outcomes. I have also seen the consequences when people wait too long to seek care because they do not recognize symptoms or assume they will go away on their own.
One of the most important things everyone should know is the acronym BE FAST, which helps identify common stroke symptoms:
- B — Balance: Sudden trouble with balance, coordination or walking.
- E — Eyes: Sudden double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- F — Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
- A — Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or difficult to raise?
- S — Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
- T — Time to call 911: If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately.
Regardless of which symptoms appear, time is critical. In stroke care, we often say “time is brain” because millions of brain cells can be lost each minute treatment is delayed.
Many people assume strokes only happen to older adults, but strokes can occur at any age. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can increase stroke risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and atrial fibrillation.
High blood pressure is the single biggest stroke risk factor that we can modify. The encouraging news is that even small improvements can make a significant difference. Lowering blood pressure by as little as 10 points may reduce stroke risk by up to 30%. That is substantial. Managing your blood pressure, staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products can all help reduce risk. Regular checkups with your health care provider are also important for identifying and managing underlying conditions before they become more serious.
Another common misconception is that stroke symptoms will always be severe or painful. In reality, stroke is rarely accompanied by pain, which is one reason many people dismiss symptoms or delay seeking care. Any sudden numbness or weakness affecting one side of the body, speech changes or vision changes should be taken seriously.
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Call 911 immediately rather than driving to the hospital yourself. Emergency medical teams can begin evaluating patients on the way to the hospital and help ensure patients are transported to the appropriate stroke center as quickly as possible.
Advances in stroke care continue to improve outcomes for patients, particularly when treatment begins early. Clot-busting medications and minimally invasive procedures can help restore blood flow to the brain and reduce disability in certain types of stroke. However, these treatments are highly time-sensitive.
Take a few moments to learn about the warning signs, know your risk factors and share this information with family and friends. Recognizing a stroke quickly could help save a life — possibly even your own.
This week’s column is by Dr. Jessica Lee, director of UK Healthcare Comprehensive Stroke Program.