With May just around the corner, it’s important to remember that Stroke Awareness Month is approaching. It’s a time to reflect on how stroke can affect anyone, and how acting fast can mean the difference between a full recovery and lasting disability. A stroke is a “brain attack,” usually caused by a blocked blood vessel or bleeding in the brain. In both cases, brain cells begin to die within minutes. That’s why knowing the warning signs and calling 911 immediately is one of the most critical steps you can take for yourself or someone you care about.

Know the signs: BE FAST

Many people have heard of FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911). You may also hear “BE FAST,” which adds two important symptoms: Balance problems and Eyes (sudden vision changes). Stroke symptoms often come on suddenly and may include:

• Balance: sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of coordination
• Eyes: sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Face: one side of the face droops or feels numb, ask the person to smile
• Arms: weakness or numbness in one arm, ask the person to raise both arms
• Speech: slurred speech or trouble speaking/understanding, ask the person to repeat a simple sentence
• Time: call 911 immediately

Even if symptoms fade after a few minutes, don’t ignore them. A “mini-stroke,” also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), can be a warning sign of a major stroke. Treat any sudden neurological change as an emergency.

Why 911 matters: time is brain

Calling 911 is not just about getting to the hospital faster — it’s about getting the right care sooner. Emergency medical services can begin assessment on the way, alert the emergency department, and take the patient to the most appropriate facility. If a stroke is caused by a clot, some patients may be eligible for powerful treatments that restore blood flow, but these therapies work best when given as early as possible after symptoms start.

If you’re with someone who may be having a stroke, note the last time they were seen well (even an estimate helps), and share that with first responders. Bring a list of medications if you can, but don’t delay calling. And please don’t try to “sleep it off,” have someone drive you, or wait for a call back. When it comes to stroke, every minute counts.

Lower your risk: small steps add up

The good news is that many stroke risk factors are manageable. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor, but conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), and sleep apnea can also raise risk. Smoking, excess alcohol, physical inactivity, and poor diet play a role as well.

• Know your numbers: blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and follow your care plan
• Take medications as prescribed, especially blood pressure meds and blood thinners when appropriate
• Move more: aim for regular physical activity you can sustain
• Eat for vascular health: focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and less sodium
• Don’t smoke, and seek help to quit if you do
• Get checked for atrial fibrillation if you notice palpitations or an irregular pulse

Stroke Awareness Month is a great time to talk with family and friends about the warning signs and to review your own risk factors. Consider saving BE FAST to your phone or posting it on the refrigerator, because in a real emergency, it’s hard to think clearly. If you remember one thing, remember this: sudden balance, vision, face, arm, or speech changes are a 911 call.

Cynthia K. Anderson, MSN, is the stroke coordinator of UPMC in North Central Pa. To learn more, go to UPMC.com/NeuroNCPA.