May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is a medical emergency and happens when brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Awareness of the most common signs and symptoms of a stroke is important because immediate treatment can mean the difference between a life with minimal changes to a life with severe disability or even death.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is a medical emergency and happens when brain cells die due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Awareness of the most common signs and symptoms of a stroke is important because immediate treatment can mean the difference between a life with minimal changes to a life with severe disability or even death. Check out the BEFASTT graphic below to know what to look for.
When you consider the fact that stroke medicine can only be given within the first few hours, timely treatment is critical. “50 to 80 percent of people get to the hospital too late,” says Stephanie Simpson, RN clinical educator at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center. “Stroke medication helps restore blood flow to the part of the brain affected by stroke, but the benefit of this medication decreases as time passes.”
Simpson also points out that while BEFASTT describes the most common signs, strokes can look different depending on the part of the brain that is affected. “Even one sudden neurological change on the BEFASTT mnemonic is cause for concern,” Simpson says. “The severity does not matter as much as the sudden nature of the change, and it’s common to hear patients say, ‘I didn’t realize I was having a stroke.’ Even what can be seen as a mild sudden neurological change is a reason to call 911 to prevent brain damage from getting worse and resulting in a severe disability.”
The message about BEFASTT is important for everyone to hear because stroke can strike anyone at any age. Plus, in up to 97 percent of cases, someone other than the person suffering a stroke is the one who makes the call to 911.
A stroke can strike without warning. INTEGRIS Health encourages Oklahomans to know the signs and symptoms of stroke. Click here to learn more or if you’re concerned about your stroke risk, click here to schedule an appointment.
