Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, and a leading cause of adult disability, yet too many people don’t know the signs or symptoms of stroke.
As one of 101 hospitals in the nation that qualifies as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, Hartford HealthCare must have neurosurgeons on duty every day, all day. Some of the common symptoms our experts look for are sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, visual loss or severe headaches.
“Depending on which part of the brain is affected, the signs and symptoms of stroke may change, but we use the acronym BEFAST to help identify the most common warning signs” says Jennie Nazario, MSN, RN, SCRN, Program Manager of the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Hartford Hospital.
It’s easy for you to remember what to look for, too. BEFAST.
BEFAST is an easy way to remember and identify the most common symptoms of a stroke. Time is brain — as the stroke progresses, more nervous tissue is lost. So, the longer you wait to call 911, the more damage to the brain.
Other indicators of a possible stroke
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Trouble walking
- Lack of coordination
Transient Ischemic Attack
If symptoms disappear within minutes, you should still report symptoms to a health professional immediately. It’s possible you’ve had a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, that requires medical attention. A TIA is a sign of a serious condition, even the symptoms did not last long. Do not ignore them.
Stroke under the age of 45?
Strokes for people under the age of 45 are rare, but they can happen. Would you know the signs? Watch this story about a 19-year-old stroke survivor.
Gold Plus Certification
Since 2001, Hartford Hospital has provided a state-of-the-art stroke team and facility to treat stroke promptly and effectively. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association has recognized Hartford Hospital for its continued success in using Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke and Target:StrokeSM programs. In addition, the Joint Commission has designated The Stroke Center as New England and Connecticut’s first Comprehensive Stroke Center.