How to Spot a Stroke: BE FAST You’ve probably heard of having a stroke, but do you know what it actually means? Strokes are life-threatening health conditions that affect blood supply to the brain. They are very serious and require immediate medical attention, so it’s important to recognize the signs and act quickly if you suspect someone may be having one. What Causes a Stroke? A stroke can happen at any age. Most strokes are caused by a clot that blocks blood flow to the brain. When this happens, the brain can’t get the nutrients it needs. A stroke may also occur when a blood vessel ruptures, and there is sudden bleeding that puts pressure on the brain. Both types of stroke can kill brain cells and lead to permanent damage. How Do I Know If Someone is Having a Stroke? During a stroke, your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. As a result, your body tries to signal that something is wrong. These warning signs often appear suddenly and can vary based on the type of stroke and where it happens in the brain. Do the symptoms look like the nerves on one side of the body aren’t reacting properly? If so, that likely indicates a stroke. Signs of a Stroke Numbness or weakness on one side of the face or in one arm Having trouble speaking (i.e., half of tongue isn’t working) or understanding speech Loss of coordination or balance, including trouble walking (i.e., one leg is not responding) Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes Confusion or dizziness Severe headache without a known cause What Do I Do If I Think Someone is Having a Stroke? Any sign of a stroke needs to be taken seriously. Acting quickly is important because the sooner a stroke is treated, the better. To determine if someone is having a stroke, use the BE FAST technique. B E F A S T Balance Ask if they can stand and walk a short distance. Are they able to move without stumbling? Eyes Ask them to close each eye, one at a time. Is vision blurry in one of their eyes? Face Ask them to smile. Does one side of their face droop? Arms Ask them to raise both arms. Does one of their arms drift down? Speech Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Do they slur their speech? Time If any of these signs are present, call 911. Take note of when symptoms first appeared. Anyone experiencing a stroke needs treatment as soon as possible to increase their odds of a successful recovery. Generally, the best treatment options are only available within 3 to 4.5 hours of when symptoms began. Always call 911 and tell them you suspect a stroke so medical personnel can begin care immediately upon arrival. Driving yourself or someone else to the hospital may delay time-sensitive treatment. How Can I Prevent a Stroke? Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to lower your risk of a stroke. Eat nutritious meals: Follow a heart-healthy eating plan that contains a variety of fruits and vegetables balanced with lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Pick options that are high in fiber and potassium, and limit processed foods with large amounts of salt or unhealthy fats. Be physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. If time is a concern, try adding activity breaks into your daily routine. Choose movement you enjoy and switch up your workouts to help you stay consistent. Avoid smoking: If you currently smoke, quitting reduces your chance of a stroke. Speak to your health care provider about ways to help you quit, such as nicotine replacement therapy. For those who don’t smoke, don’t start. Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking less alcohol is better for your health. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. For men, this means 2 drinks or less per day. For women, it’s no more than 1 drink per day. Understanding your relationship to alcohol and making a plan to drink less may help you reduce your alcohol intake. Manage existing health conditions: Having diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and/or high cholesterol can raise your risk of stroke. Be sure to follow your health care provider’s recommended treatment plan for keeping these conditions under control. Having a stroke can threaten your wellbeing, including severe impacts on your mental and physical performance. Protect yourself and those around you by knowing the signs of a stroke and how to react swiftly. A life may depend on it. Additional ResourcesAmerican Stroke Association - “About Stroke”ReferencesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - “Preventing Stroke”Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - “Signs and Symptoms of Stroke”National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - “What Is a Stroke?”National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - “Prevention”National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - “Signs and Symptoms.”
