Stroke Warning Signs « BEFAST »
Experts recommend memorizing the acronym “BEFAST” to quickly recognize the symptoms of a stroke:
B (Balance) – Difficulty maintaining balance or loss of coordination. E (Vision) – Changes in vision, such as blurred vision, loss of vision, or double vision.
F (Face) – Changes in facial expression, such as drooping on one side of the face or an asymmetrical smile. A (Arm) – Weakness or numbness in one arm.
S (Speech) – Problems with speech, such as slurred or incoherent speech.
T (Time) – Act immediately and see a doctor if you experience symptoms.
Dr. Joshua Willey, a stroke neurologist at Columbia University, noted that “T” can also mean “terrible headache,” meaning a sudden, severe headache.
All three experts emphasized that if any of these symptoms occur, even briefly, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Dr. Willey said:
“Typically, a transient ischemic attack lasts no more than 5-10 minutes, and certainly less than an hour. However, BEFAST symptoms can last as little as 30-60 seconds.”
For this reason, do not hesitate even for a moment if you experience weakness in your hand or sudden loss of vision.
Managing Stroke Risk Factors
You can control your stroke risk factors.
Dr. Itrat explained that conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood sugar, if left untreated, can increase the risk of stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with TIAs should increase physical activity, quit smoking, modify their diet, or take medications to control conditions such as high blood pressure to reduce their risk of stroke.
