The Ultimate Guide to Stroke Awareness

What is a stroke & why does it happen?

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without blood, the brain cells in that area don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need, so they start to die. This can lead to sudden problems like trouble speaking, moving, seeing, or understanding things, depending on which part of the brain is affected. A stroke is a medical emergency and needs quick treatment to help reduce damage to the brain.

How do I recognize a stroke?

If you think you might be having a stroke, call 911 (or emergency services) immediately — don’t wait or try to drive yourself.

Here’s what to look for and what to do:

 Know the signs — use the word BE FAST:

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• E – Eyes: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb. 
• A – Arms: One arm feels weak or numb.
• S – Speech: Speech is slurred, confused, or hard to understand.
• T – Time: Time to call 911 right away. Every second counts.

Don’t delay. Even if the symptoms go away after a few minutes, it could still be a warning sign of a bigger stroke coming soon.

Stay calm and safe. Sit or lie down somewhere safe while you wait for help. Don’t eat, drink, or take medication unless told to.

If you’re with someone else showing signs, call for them and note the time symptoms started. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.

Time matters. The faster you get medical help, the better the chances of recovery

What should I expect if I go to the ER with stroke symptoms?

You’ll be seen quickly. Stroke is an emergency, so the medical team will act fast.

They’ll ask questions and check your symptoms. A nurse or doctor will ask when your symptoms started (this is very important), what you’re feeling, and if you’ve had any changes in speech, movement, or vision.

You’ll have quick tests:

• Vital signs: They’ll check your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen.
• Neurological exam: You may be asked to smile, raise your arms, squeeze fingers, or repeat phrases — these tests help them see how your brain is working.
• You’ll get a brain scan. A CT scan of the brain is done right away to see if you’re having a stroke and what kind — either a blocked blood vessel (ischemic) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic).
• Blood tests and and EKG. These help rule out other problems and check for things like blood sugar, clotting issues, or heart rhythm problems.

If it’s a stroke, fast treatment may begin. If the scan shows a blocked artery and you’re within a certain time window (usually under 4.5 hours), you might get a “clot-busting” medicine called tPA or TNKase. If the stroke was caused by a big blood clot blocking blood flow in the brain, doctors may recommend a thrombectomy. This is a special procedure physically remove the clot and restore blood flow.

You may be admitted to the hospital. If it’s a confirmed stroke or a warning sign like a TIA (mini-stroke), you’ll likely stay in the hospital for more care, monitoring, and recovery planning.

The whole process is fast, focused, and designed to save brain function. Time really matters — the sooner you’re treated, the better your chance of recovery.

Can I prevent a stroke?

Now that you know about strokes; what causes them, what to do if you suspect a stroke and what will happen when you present to the ED with stroke like symptoms it’s important to learn what you can do to prevent them! 

Stroke risk factors fall into two main categories: modifiable (you can change or control them) and non-modifiable (you can’t change them).

Modifiable Risk Factors (things you can change or control):

These are habits or health problems that raise your risk of stroke — but the good news is, you can do something about them.

• High blood pressure: The #1 cause of stroke. Can often be controlled with medicine, diet, and exercise.
• Smoking: Damages blood vessels and increases clot risk. Quitting helps your body heal.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar can harm your blood vessels. Managing diabetes lowers stroke risk.
• High cholesterol: Too much “bad” cholesterol can clog blood vessels. A healthy diet and meds can help.
• Being overweight or inactive: Extra weight and not moving enough puts stress on your heart and blood flow.
• Unhealthy diet: Too much salt, sugar, and fat can increase stroke risk.
• Drinking too much alcohol or using drugs: These can affect your heart and blood vessels in harmful ways.
• Stress: Long-term stress can raise blood pressure and stroke risk.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (things you cannot change):

These are parts of who you are — and you can’t change them, but knowing them helps you stay aware and take steps to stay healthy.

• Age: Risk goes up as you get older, especially after age 55.
• Sex: Men tend to have strokes more often, but women may have worse outcomes.
• Race or ethnicity: Some groups — like Black, Hispanic, and Native American people — have a higher risk.
• Family history: If close relatives have had a stroke, your risk may be higher.
• Past stroke or TIA (mini-stroke): If you’ve had one before, you’re more likely to have another.

Managing your modifiable risk factors is key to prevention. Reach out to your provider if you have questions, or take our stroke health risk assessment to see your risk level.