Stroke Awareness Month: Recognizing warning signs to act quickly

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- May marks Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting a medical emergency that can change lives in an instant and encouraging people to recognize symptoms early.

Health experts are urging residents across Central California to learn the warning signs of stroke, emphasizing that quick action can mean the difference between recovery and long-term disability or death.

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke is among the leading causes of death in the United States and a major cause of serious, long-term disability.

Dr. Zach Bowles, a volunteer medical expert with the American Heart Association, said delayed care remains a critical concern.

"It's heartbreaking as a medical professional to see a patient who has clear signs of a disabling stroke and tells you that they started experiencing symptoms two days earlier, but didn't come in because they didn't recognize it or wanted to wait it out and see if things improved," Bowles said.

Time is one of the most important factors in treating a stroke. Bowles noted that rapid intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

"So it's estimated that anywhere between 1 and 2 million brain cells are lost per minute of that treatment. The faster you get to a place for medical treatments, the more you can decrease your risk of disability or death," he said.

To help people remember stroke warning signs, medical professionals promote the acronym "BE FAST":

• B - Balance: difficulty walking, dizziness or coordination issues
• E - Eyes: sudden vision changes in one or both eyes, including blurred vision
• F - Face: facial drooping on one side
• A - Arms: weakness or numbness on one side
• S - Speech: slurred words or trouble speaking
• T - Time: time to call 911 immediately

"Once you recognize one of those warning signs, it's very important to call 911 immediately just because our treatments for stroke are so time-limited in their effectiveness," Bowles said.

Preventive care also plays a key role. Bowles said up to 80% of strokes are preventable, with several known risk factors.

"That includes things like having had a previous stroke, but also things like diabetes, high blood pressure, being probably the highest risk factor," he said.

Health experts recommend routine medical screenings and working with a health care professional to identify and manage risk factors before a stroke occurs.

For those who have already experienced a stroke, the American Stroke Association offers support services, including virtual survivor meetups designed to help patients recover and connect with others facing similar challenges.

As Stroke Awareness Month continues, doctors stress that education and swift action can save lives.

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