Stroke: Why You Need to think B.E. F.A.S.T
April 25, 2023
Stroke is the 5th cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States.
Stroke is a condition that can affect the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke). If this occurs, brain cells “downstream” from the blockage will soon start to die by the millions – up to 2 million per minute.
About 87% of strokes are caused by a blood vessel blockage. The good news is that fast care at a stroke-certified hospital can save lives and prevent disability. If administered within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tenecteplase may be able to restore blood flow. In addition, a few stroke centers – including St. Mary’s Hospital – can physically remove the large clots that cause some of the most devastating strokes.
How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Think this acronym: B.E. F.A.S.T.
B = Balance – Does the individual have a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E = Eyes – Is the individual experiencing double vision or unable to see out of one eye?
F = Face Drooping – Is one side of the face drooping or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to lift both arms. Is one arm downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is their speech slurred or do they have a hard time finding words?
T = Time to call 9-1-1
Stroke symptoms happen suddenly. Other stroke symptoms include:
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble seeing in either or both eyes
- Trouble walking or experiencing a loss of coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
Calling 9-1-1 is vital. In addition to providing fast transport, Emergency Medical Services staff are highly trained medical professionals. They can provide vital assessments, communicate with the Emergency Department to arrange for immediate access to care, provide advanced life support if needed, and begin preparing the patient for testing and treatment.
In a nutshell
- Stroke happens suddenly
- Stroke is a medical emergency
- Think B.E. F.A.S.T.
- Call 911 immediately
St. Mary’s is proud to be the first hospital in Georgia certified as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. Learn more about our comprehensive range of stroke services here.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Our blog has nearly 50 entries with information about brain and heart health, which are both vital for stroke prevention.