Strokes are the biggest cause of d.e.a.t.h in the United States, affecting about 800,000 people each year. In this country, a stroke occurs approximately every 40 seconds.
However, according to HuffPost, we may learn how to spot stroke symptoms, identify risk factors, and protect ourselves from this form of cerebrovascular catastrophe.
Dr. Brandon Giglio, Director of Vascular Neurology at NYU Langone Hospital (USA), indicated that around 85% of strokes in the United States are ischemic, with the other 15% being hemorrhagic. In many circumstances, stroke symptoms might arise days, weeks, or even months in advance.
Everyone should be aware of the warning symptoms of a stroke listed below.
1. Transient Ischemic Att:ack – An Early Sign of Stroke
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can be an early indicator of a stroke. Dr. Ahmed Itrat, Medical Director of Stroke at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, states, “A transient ischemic attack causes mild neurological symptoms that resolve on their own, without causing permanent nerve damage.”
In other words, a TIA happens rapidly and does not cause brain damage.
However, Dr. Giglio noted that the absence of brain damage does not indicate that TIA symptoms should be ignored.
“It could indicate that you are at risk of having a stroke within the next 48 hours, and certainly within 7, 30, or even 90 days.”
2. The “BEFAST” Stroke Wa:rning Signs
Experts advise remembering the acronym “BEFAST” to spot stroke symptoms quickly:
B (Balance): Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
E (Eyesight): Vision changes such as blurriness, loss of eyesight, or double vision.
F (Face): Facial alterations, such as one side of the face drooping or smiling asymmetrically.
A (Arm): Weakness or numbness in one arm.
S (Speaking): Speech problems, such as slurred or unintelligible speaking.
T (Time): Take prompt action and seek medical attention if any symptoms arise.
Dr. Joshua Willey, a stroke neurology specialist at Columbia University (USA), suggested that “T” might potentially stand for “terrible headache” – a sudden and severe headache.
All three doctors underlined that if any of these symptoms develop, even momentarily, you should seek medical assistance right once.
According to Dr. Willey, a transient ischemia stroke usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes, if not less. However, BEFAST symptoms may only last 30-60 seconds.
As a result, do not delay for a moment if you notice arm weakness or sudden blurred vision.
3. Managing Stroke R.i.s.k Factors
You can control your stroke risk factors.
Dr. Itrat added that excessive cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, if not controlled, can increase the risk of stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to lower the risk of stroke, people should increase physical activity, quit smoking, change their diet, or use drugs to control diseases such as high blood pressure.
