# UK expert warns: Know stroke signs during Awareness Month **Published:** 2026-05-28T20:40:09.000Z **Source:** [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/know-signs-why-fast-stroke-treatment-critical) **AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) **Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/uk-expert-warns-know-stroke-signs-during-awareness-month LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the nation observes Stroke Awareness Month, [University of Kentucky Healthcare officials are urging Kentuckians to learn critical warning signs](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/know-signs-why-fast-stroke-treatment-critical) that could save lives when minutes matter most. Dr. Jessica Lee, director of [UK Healthcare's Comprehensive Stroke Program](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/comprehensive-stroke-center), emphasized that prompt recognition and treatment of stroke symptoms dramatically improves recovery. "Time is brain," Lee wrote in a column for the university. "Millions of brain cells can be lost each minute treatment is delayed." According to Lee, the BE FAST acronym helps people identify common stroke symptoms: Balance problems, Eyes (sudden vision loss), Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911. Any of these signs warrant immediate emergency care, Lee said, even if symptoms appear mild or temporary. [UK HealthCare earned Comprehensive Stroke Center status from The Joint Commission](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/comprehensive-stroke-center), making it one of only four such centers in Kentucky and about 100 nationwide. The designation requires meeting stringent protocols and maintaining the capability to treat complex strokes 24 hours a day, every day, using the most advanced treatments available. Stroke represents a major health challenge for Kentucky. [Stroke deaths were among the top five leading causes of death in Kentucky in 2023](https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/cdpb/KHDSP/Kentucky%20Stroke%20Registry%20Annual%20Report%202024.pdf), and [Kentucky ranks 10th nationally for stroke mortality](https://stacker.com/kentucky/kentucky-10-state-highest-stroke-death-rate). Lee noted that many people mistakenly believe strokes only occur in older adults, but they can strike at any age. Modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. High blood pressure remains the single biggest stroke risk factor that can be modified, Lee said, and even small reductions can yield significant benefits. "Lowering blood pressure by as little as 10 points may reduce stroke risk by up to 30%," she said. Another misconception is that stroke symptoms are always severe or painful. In reality, strokes rarely cause pain, which may cause people to dismiss symptoms. Lee urged anyone suspecting a stroke to call 911 immediately rather than driving to a hospital, as emergency medical teams can begin evaluating patients en route and ensure transport to an appropriate stroke center. Advanced treatments including clot-busting medications and minimally invasive procedures can restore blood flow and reduce disability when administered quickly enough. Lee encouraged residents to share stroke warning signs with family and friends during Stroke Awareness Month and beyond. ## Sources - [University of Kentucky News](https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/know-signs-why-fast-stroke-treatment-critical) - [UK Healthcare - Comprehensive Stroke Center](https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/comprehensive-stroke-center) - [Kentucky Department for Public Health - Kentucky Stroke Registry Annual Report 2024](https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/cdpb/KHDSP/Kentucky%20Stroke%20Registry%20Annual%20Report%202024.pdf) - [Stacker - Kentucky stroke mortality rankings](https://stacker.com/kentucky/kentucky-10-state-highest-stroke-death-rate) --- This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from University of Kentucky News, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://uknow.uky.edu/uk-healthcare/know-signs-why-fast-stroke-treatment-critical.