A stroke, or a blockage of blood flow to part of your brain, can lead to brain cell death due to a lack of oxygen. Although stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S., the signs and symptoms of stroke are underrecognized. Having a stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Kristine Cruz Arandela, MD, a vascular neurologist with Atlantic Health System, shares more about stroke signs and what to do if you suspect a stroke.
What are the signs of a stroke?
It’s easy to remember the most common stroke signs with a simple acronym, BE FAST:
- Balance issues, including trouble walking or with coordination
- Eyesight problems, like loss of vision or double vision
- Facial drooping
- Arm (or leg) weakness
- Speech problems, including difficulty speaking or understanding
- Terrible headache, and time to call 911
The BE FAST acronym encompasses the most common signs of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Some symptoms, like balance, drooping and eye issues indicate an ischemic stroke, or one caused by a blood clot. This kind of stroke makes up about 85% of strokes. Meanwhile, headache is a better indicator of a hemorrhagic stroke, a type of stroke caused by a ruptured blood vessel that leads to bleeding.
What to do if you suspect a stroke
If you think you, a loved one, or anyone around you is experiencing a stroke, call 911 right away.
“Time is brain, and nearly two million brain cells are at risk of death every minute after a stroke,” says Dr. Arandela. “First responders can start stroke care right away and bring you to a stroke center where you may receive time-dependent treatment.”
If an artery is blocked by a blood clot, your care team may use a “clot-busting medication” to break it up. This treatment can be helpful if administered within 4.5 hours after stroke symptoms begin. You may also undergo a procedure to remove the clot up to 24 hours after symptoms start. If you are experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke, then you’ll be given medications to lower blood pressure and slow or stop the bleeding.
“Getting care fast is important because some very effective medical interventions and surgical procedures can only be done within a specific time after a stroke has occurred,” says Dr. Arandela. “It’s a myth that after a stroke has happened there isn’t anything you can do.”
How to prevent strokes
Fortunately, you can lower your risk of stroke by decreasing your risk factors. The most common risk factors for stroke include:
- Atrial Fibrillation and other cardiovascular conditions
- Certain blood disorders
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol use
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Illicit drug use
- Lifestyle factors, including inactivity and poor diet
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Prior transient ischemic attack or stroke
- Smoking
“We put a lot of emphasis on reactive risk management after someone has had a stroke, but the reality is primary stroke prevention is key,” says Dr. Arandela. “Working with your primary care physician to control your risk factors and maintain your health can help prevent up to 80% of strokes from occurring in the first place.”
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