According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 795,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year. A stroke occurs when something happens to block the flow of blood causing brain cells to begin dying within minutes because they can’t get enough oxygen.
A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death.
Although strokes maybe seriously damaging, people can get better after a stroke. However, predicting the degree and pace of recovery is very difficult.
The Eskenazi Health Stroke Center wants everyone to be on the lookout for the signs of a stroke, and the B.E.F.A.S.T. initiative — an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association — is a way to make it easier for everyone to learn and remember the symptoms of a stroke, and what to do if you or someone near you displays them.
The B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym stands for:
Balance: Is someone displaying sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination?
Eyes: Check for vision loss.
Face: Is one side of the person’s face drooping or is it numb?
Arm: Ask the person to raise their arm. Does one arm drift downward, or is it numb or weak?
Speech: Is it impaired or slurred, is there difficulty repeating simple phrases?
Time: If you see or experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Risk factors for stroke include being male, being African-American, and having a family history of stroke, all of which are out of everyone’s control, however, there are factors you can do something about. For instance, conditions such as heart disease, atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes make a stroke more likely. Controlling these dangerous health conditions may decrease your risk and you can achieve that with regular exercise, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking if you smoke.
Recovery time after a stroke is different for everyone as it can take weeks, months, or even years. Some people recover fully, but others have long-term or lifelong disabilities. Rehab can include working with speech, physical and occupational therapists.
Within the first six months is when most recovery after a stroke will take place, and the brain can continue to heal for up to two years afterwards. In some cases, improvement may occur after that, mainly due to patients learning new skills. Therapy and medicine may help with depression or other mental health conditions following a stroke. Joining a patient support group may help you adjust to life after a stroke. Talk with your health care team about local support groups, or check with an area medical center.
Support from family and friends can also help relieve fear and anxiety following a stroke. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help you.
Magnets with the B.E.F.A.S.T. message were recently included with all medication pick-ups through the Eskenazi Health pharmacy locations, and we encourage everyone to help spread this information in our community to help increase awareness, which can save lives. For more information on the Eskenazi Health Stroke Center visit: https://www.eskenazihealth.edu/news/caring-for-stroke-patients
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington