Every minute matters: The stroke warning signs everyone should know
A stroke can change a life in an instant. In the minutes after symptoms begin, quick action can help protect the brain, reduce long-term disability and save a life. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated, making early recognition and treatment critical.
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States. Each year, about 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke.
Three things you can do to take action against stroke include:
- Learning B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke
- Understanding your stroke risk and explore ways to lower it
- Finding support after stroke
Recognize stroke warning signs: B.E. F.A.S.T.
When a stroke happens, blood flow to the brain is interrupted. The longer the treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of lasting damage. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get stroke care. Emergency medical services (EMS) can begin treatment right away and alert the hospital stroke team before you arrive.
Dr. Ameera Haamid, the associate EMS medical director of the Chicago South EMS System, stressed that people should always call 911 when they’re having stroke symptoms. She said that stroke is a very time-sensitive diagnosis. The longer there is little or no blood flow to the tissue, the greater the likelihood of irreversible damage to the brain. “That can result in permanent deficits like paralysis, not being able to speak again or symptoms that are so severe that they can be fatal,” she said.
B.E. F.A.S.T. is a simple way to remember common stroke warning signs:
- Balance loss – Sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of coordination
- Eye (vision) changes – Sudden vision loss or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face drooping – One side of the face droops or feels numb; a smile may look uneven
- Arm weakness – One arm feels weak or numb or drifts downward when raised
- Speech difficulty – Slurred speech or trouble speaking
- Time to call 911 – If someone shows any of these signs, even if symptoms go away, calling 911 right away can help get lifesaving care started. Noting when symptoms first appeared can also support treatment decisions.
Take steps to prevent stroke
About 80% of strokes are preventable. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke, and uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes and obesity significantly increase risk.
A large majority of strokes can be prevented by taking steps to:
- Manage blood pressure. Lowering and controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of stroke. Regular checkups, home monitoring and following a treatment plan can lower risk and support long-term brain health.
- Build healthy habits. Eating well, staying active, not smoking and keeping up with routine health screenings play an important role in reducing stroke risk. The American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8TM outlines key steps to improve and maintain cardiovascular and brain health.
- Reduce the risk of a second stroke. Prevention takes on added importance for people who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke.” Nearly 1 in 4 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke. Understanding what caused the first stroke and identifying personal risk factors can help guide next steps and reduce the chance of another one.
Support that meets you where you are
Stroke recovery looks different for everyone, and support can play an important role along the way. The Stroke Association offers resources designed to help survivors and care partners feel informed, connected and supported, including live, virtual Stroke Meetups where participants can share experiences, ask questions and learn from trusted experts. You can also stay connected with recovery tools and support by signing up for the Stroke Connection e‑newsletter.
