Stroke Can Happen Fast: Learn the Signs and What to Do
Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone has a stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and can happen to anyone. But the good news is that strokes can often be prevented and knowing the signs of a stroke can save a life.
What Is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to the brain or when a blood vessel in your brain bursts. This can affect your brain very fast. A stroke can cause problems with talking, walking, or even thinking. It can also lead to death. But if you act fast, you can save a life.
How to Spot a Stroke – Remember B.E.F.A.S.T.
- B – Balance: Does the person lose balance or have sudden weakness?
- E – Eyes: Are they having double or blurred vision and/or sudden trouble seeing?
- F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Can the person lift both arms? Does one arm drift down?
- S – Speech: Is the speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: Call 911 right away if you see any of these signs.
Even if the signs go away, still call 911. Don’t wait or ignore the signs.
Risk of Strokes Grow With Age
As we get older, our chances of having a stroke go up. People can start to have health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol as they get older. Health issues can make a stroke more likely. But there’s good news—you can take steps now to lower your risk.
Here are a few easy things that you can do today:
- Check your blood pressure. Many places do this for free.
- Move your body. A short walk every day helps your heart.
- Practice good lifestyle habits like a healthy diet, not smoking and limiting alcohol.
- Get a checkup. Ask your doctor about your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol.
If you need help finding a doctor, you can call us:
- CHIP/STAR Members: 713.295.2294 or 1.888.760.2600 (TTY 7-1-1)
- STAR+PLUS Members: 713.295.2300 or 1.888.435.2850 (TTY 7-1-1)
- Marketplace Members: 713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386 (TTY 7-1-1)
- Medicare (D-SNP) Members: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (TTY 7-1-1)
More Resources:
You don’t need to do this alone. Learn more and find help at one of the links below.
- CDC- Stroke Signs and Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs-symptoms/index.html
- American Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org/en/
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
