I will B.E.F.A.S.T
Did you know that approximately every 40 seconds an American has a stroke?! Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and is a major cause of disability in the United States. What is a stroke?
Understanding Stroke:
Our brain is an amazing and complex organ! The brain is in charge of many important functions including, memory, language, emotions, movement, and controls functions like breathing and digestion. To do its job properly, the brain depends on oxygen to function. The brain takes up about 2% of your total body weight, yet uses up to 20% of the oxygen you breathe! Picture a highway. Our arteries serve as the body’s roadways, transporting oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If there is a disruption in blood flow, or a blockage on the roadway, cells in the brain begin to die, QUICKLY! It takes only minutes for cells in the brain to die due to a lack of blood flow. There are two main types of strokes:
1. Ischemic- Ischemic strokes are caused by a blood clot or other substances, such as fatty deposits, that block blood vessels to the brain.
2. Hemorrhagic- Hemorrhagic strokes are caused when a blood vessel bursts in the brain, which causes blood to build up and damage surrounding tissue.
Every Minute Counts:
Do you know the signs and symptoms of a stroke?
Many of you have probably heard of the acronym F.A.S.T.
In recent years, this has been updated to B.E.F.A.S.T to include more signs of a possible stroke.
Be on the lookout for the following SUDDEN changes in you or a loved one:
· Sudden changes in balance/dizziness- difficulty walking, balance and coordination
· Sudden changes in vision- trouble seeing in one or both eyes
· Sudden numbness- numbness or weakness in the face, arms, legs, especially on one side of the body
· Sudden confusion- trouble speaking or understanding speech
· Sudden headache- severe
If you experience one of these symptoms, time to call 9-1-1 immediately!
Remember, time = brain cells/damage. The longer you wait to get care following these symptoms, the longer your brain goes without oxygen, and the greater the damage is in your brain. Time could make the difference between mild deficits and major disability.
For more information about stroke signs and symptoms: