BE FAST: Stroke Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

When a stroke strikes, your brain is under attack. Ignore the problem, and your health and life are in jeopardy. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the leading cause of disability in America and the fourth most common cause of death. To recognize symptoms, remember the acronym, BE FAST.

“Every minute that goes by, you lose about 2 million brain cells,” says Dr. J Mocco, chair of Neurological Surgery and neurosurgeon-in-chief at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Leave a stroke untreated for just 180 minutes, and your likelihood of regaining full function and independence drops to 20 percent, so time is of the essence.”

Keep reading to learn the main signs of a stroke, what BE FAST really means and why you should call 911 if you recognize any of them.

BE FAST: Stroke Signs to Watch For

BE FAST is an easy way to remember common warning signs of stroke.

• Balance. You may suddenly feel dizzy or have difficulty with balance or coordination.
• Eyes. Vision problems may develop suddenly. You may have a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes or blurred or double vision.
• Face. The left or right side of your face may droop. Face drooping may be obvious when you smile, making your smile appear crooked.
• Arm. One of your arms may become weak or numb. If you lift both arms in front of you, one may drift downward.
• Speech. Your speech may become slurred, or you may begin to stutter or have a hard time getting your words out.
• Time. If you experience any of these symptoms or notice them in someone else, it’s time to call 911.

Why You Should Never Drive Yourself to the ER During a Stroke

Anytime you notice BE FAST stroke symptoms, emergency medical care is vital. However, if you plan to drive yourself to the hospital, Dr. Mocco has a message for you.

“Don’t do it,” he says, “and don’t have a family member drive you. Even if you’re only 10 minutes from the hospital, there are many reasons to call 911.”

A few benefits of calling 911 when having a stroke include:

• Alerting the team. Your emergency medical services (EMS) team can contact the hospital, so the stroke team is ready when you arrive.
• Helping you breathe. As your stroke continues, you may struggle to breathe. EMS professionals can help keep your airway open.
• Starting your care. Your EMS team can connect you to IVs, monitor your heart and perform other tasks to speed up your care once you arrive at the hospital.

In Conclusion: Following the BE FAST Stroke Guidelines

Detecting a stroke early helps protect against disability or death. A great way to recognize a stroke is to remember BE FAST

1. Symptoms of BE FAST include changes in balance, eyes, face, arms and speech. The “T” reminds you that time is of the essence.
2. Never drive yourself to the hospital when suffering a stroke. Instead, call 911.
3. During your ambulance ride to the hospital, your EMS team will help you breathe, monitor your vitals and alert the stroke team that you’re on the way.

Want help reducing your stroke risk or maximizing your quality of life after a stroke? Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine today.