B.E.F.A.S.T. — Know How to Spot the Warning Signs of a Stroke

Every 40 seconds in the United States, someone has a stroke – a serious medical event that disrupts or damages the brain. Spotting stroke signs early can help protect you and your loved ones from the most serious complications, including death. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, specialize in effective stroke care.

In honor of Stroke Awareness Month, here’s a look at stroke symptoms guided by BEFAST.

BEFAST stroke signs

The BEFAST stroke acronym provides a simple way to recall stroke signs to check for and take seriously. The letters stand for:

• Balance loss
• Dizziness, lack of coordination
• Eyesight changes 
• Blurry or double vision, vision loss
• Face drooping 
• One side of the face looks drooped or feels numb
• Arm weakness 
• Affecting one arm (or leg) 
• Speech difficulty
• Trouble coming up with words, slurred speech, 
• Time to call 911
• Regarding any of the above signs

The term “be fast” is appropriate, given that prompt action for stroke signs greatly increases the odds of the least serious outcome. Addressed early, many strokes are highly treatable. 

Early stroke treatment 

Ischemic stroke symptoms unfold when a blockage interrupts blood flow to the brain, depriving it of oxygen. Hemorrhagic strokes stem from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain, which compresses and damages tissue. Immediate stroke treatment restores blood flow or reduces excess bleeding in the brain to halt damage.

For blockage-induced strokes, your initial treatment may involve clot-busting drugs provided through an IV, clot removal using a catheter, or a stenting procedure to remove plaque.

For bleeding-induced strokes, your emergency care may include medication to reduce your blood pressure or swelling, or a coiling procedure to seal damaged blood vessels.

Stroke recovery and outlook

Once you’ve had emergency stroke care, Dr. Elyaderani can customize a treatment plan to enhance your recovery and avoid more strokes in the future. Your plan may include:

• Medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Procedures to improve your brain and circulatory health
• Rehabilitation services
• Carotid artery screening to assess your future stroke risk

When your stroke is treated within several hours and followed up with appropriate recovery care, you have a strong chance of leading a normal, healthy life moving forward.

A clinical review of 16 studies showed that early rehabilitation significantly improves self-care abilities, daily activity, and neurological function in stroke patients. Another study showed that skipping stroke rehab reduces the odds of long-term survival. This care is particularly important when a stroke causes disability.

To learn more about stroke signs or get assessed for personalized recovery care, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.