A stroke can be a life-changing medical emergency, and knowing the symptoms, and acting fast, can help save a life.
You can think of a stroke as a “brain attack”, explained Dr. Wazim Mohamed, a stroke neurologist and the director for the stroke program at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital.
“It’s a sudden failure in a part of the brain,” Dr. Mohamed said. “Most strokes are caused by a lack of blood flow to the brain due to a blood clot and occasionally strokes can happen due to a ruptured or burst blood vessel.”
The doctor explained that the same conditions that can cause a heart attack can also cause a stroke. That includes high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol. Dr. Mohamed mentioned that smoking can nearly double your risk of having a stroke.
“Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke can be lifesaving to someone else,” Dr. Mohamed said.
The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. can be used to help recognize when a stroke is occurring.
B. Balance is off
E. Eyes are blurry
F. Face droops
A. Arms are weak
S. Speech is slurred
T. Time to call 911
Dr. Mohamed stressed how crucial it is to call 911 when these symptoms are occurring and a stroke is suspected.
Watch the video above or click here to learn more information about strokes.