When it comes to a stroke, every second matters. Would you know what to look for? Most of us don’t think about strokes until someone we know experiences one. But the truth is, a stroke can happen suddenly, sometimes with little or no warning. And while strokes are more common in older adults, they can happen at any age.
October 29 is World Stroke Day, an important reminder to learn the warning signs, understand your risk, and know when to take action. The good news? Many strokes are preventable, and recognizing the symptoms early can make a life-changing difference.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, preventing brain cells from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need.
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke: The most common type, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding.
Both types are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. The longer the brain goes without adequate blood flow, the greater the risk of permanent damage.
Know the Warning Signs: Think BE FAST
B: Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
E: Eyes: Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
F: Face: Does one side of the face droop? Ask the person to smile and see if their smile looks uneven.
A: Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S: Speech: Is their speech slurred, confusing, or difficult to understand? Ask them to repeat a simple sentence.
T: Time: Time to call 911 immediately! Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve.
Other warning signs can include a sudden, severe headache with no known cause, confusion, or numbness on one side of the body. Remember, not everyone experiences every symptom. Even one sudden warning sign is enough to call for emergency help.
Can a Stroke Happen to Younger Adults?
Absolutely, and that’s something many people don’t realize. Although the risk of stroke increases with age, younger adults can experience strokes too. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain heart conditions can increase the risk. Smoking, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute. This is why it’s important to pay attention to your health, even if you feel perfectly fine.
What About a Mini Stroke?
You may have heard the term “mini stroke,” medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked, causing symptoms similar to a stroke that resolve on their own. Here’s the important part: Just because the symptoms disappear doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
A TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke may happen in the future.
If you or someone around you experiences sudden stroke symptoms, even if they last only a few minutes, call 911 immediately.
Can You Prevent a Stroke?
While not every stroke can be prevented, there are several things you can do to lower your risk.
- Keep your blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for stroke.
- Stay active. Regular exercise supports heart health and healthy circulation.
- Eat a balanced diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and foods lower in sodium.
- Know your numbers. Monitor your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases stroke risk.
- Manage existing conditions. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for diabetes, heart disease, and other health concerns.
Small changes to your everyday routine can make a meaningful difference in your long-term health.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
When someone is having a stroke, waiting to see if they feel better can be dangerous.
Certain stroke treatments are most effective when given as quickly as possible. Getting emergency medical attention right away can improve the chances of survival and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
If you suspect a stroke, call 911 rather than driving yourself or the person experiencing symptoms to the hospital. Emergency responders can begin evaluating the situation and transport the patient to an appropriate stroke center. It’s also helpful to note the time symptoms first appeared or when the person was last known to be well.
This World Stroke Day, Spread Awareness
You never know when recognizing the warning signs of a stroke could help save someone’s life. It might be a family member, coworker, friend, or even a stranger.
This October 29, take a moment to familiarize yourself with BE FAST and share it with the people you care about.
At Marque Urgent Care, we believe prevention and education are important parts of staying healthy. Our medical providers can help evaluate concerns such as high blood pressure and other health conditions that may contribute to your overall stroke risk.
Remember: If you suspect a stroke, don’t visit urgent care. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Every second counts.
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