To Recognize Stroke Symptoms, Remember: “B.E. F.A.S.T.”

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. But knowing a few stroke basics could save your life. In honor of May being National Stroke Awareness Month, we asked Aruna Bollineni, M.D.—a Carroll Health Group neurologist at the Mt. Airy Health & Wellness Pavilion—to share the keys to being “stroke smart.”

What Is a Stroke?

Much like a heart attack is a lack of blood flow to the heart, the majority of strokes are the result of a lack of blood flow to the brain. A small percentage of strokes occur when an artery in the brain leaks blood or ruptures. In either instance, brain cells are irreparably damaged at a rate of nearly 2 million cells per minute.

What Are the Symptoms?

Unlike a heart attack, a stroke is usually not painful. In fact, it’s possible to suffer a stroke and not realize it. However, there are important warning signs to look out for. The National Stroke Association suggests following the “B.E. F.A.S.T.” test if you think you or a loved one is having a stroke:

B= Balance Does the person have a sudden loss of balance or coordination?

E= Eyes Is the person experiencing double vision or unable to see out of one eye?

F= Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A= Arms Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S= Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound

slurred or strange?

T=Time If any of these signs are observed (either independently or together) call

9-1-1 immediately.

How Urgently Should I Seek Medical Care?

With stroke, time is of the utmost importance. If a patient reaches the hospital fast enough, doctors can use a clot-busting medication called t-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) to help restore blood flow to the brain quickly and reduce the risk of permanent damage in certain types of stroke. However, t-PA can only be given within a specific window of time, which is why it is vital to call 9-1-1 immediately if any of the B.E. F.A.S.T. signs are observed.

Can I Prevent a Stroke?

Certain risk factors for stroke, such as aging and a family history of the disease, cannot be controlled. But other risk factors can. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat), you can lower your risk by working closely with your physician to keep these conditions under control through medication, diet and exercise. Smoking also significantly increases your risk of stroke. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways you can effectively quit the habit once and for all.

Dr. Bollineni is one of the many providers now accepting new patients at the Mt. Airy Health & Wellness Pavilion, located at 504 East Ridgeville Boulevard. To make an appointment with Dr. Bollineni, please call 410-871-2204.

Visit MtAiryHealth.org to see a complete list of providers and to explore all the pavilion’s convenient on-site services, including physical therapy, urgent care, lab work and more.