BE FAST
The B in BE FAST stands for
Balance. A sudden loss or change in balance.
A sudden disruption or loss of normal blood supply to the brain which result in damage to the brain tissue is a
Stroke
This is a weakened portion of a blood vessel that may leak or burst.
What is an aneurism?
These are some things that can be changed or are within your control to decrease the risk of having a stroke. (Name one)
What are physical inactivity, increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, A-Fib, CAD, Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, Cardiomyopathy.
The E in BE FAST stands for
Eyes. A sudden change in vision in one or both eyes.
Similar to a stroke but does not result in permanent brain injury. Recovery is usually complete by 24 hours. This could be a warning that something is wrong and there is a risk of having a stroke in the future.
What is a transient ischemic attach (TIA) or Mini Stroke
This is a blood clot that breaks off and travels through the blood stream
What is an Embolism
These are some things that can't be changed or controlled that put you at higher risk of having a stroke. (Name one)
What are age (risk if greater if over the age of 55), family history of heart disease or stroke, race (risk is greater in African Americans), history of TIA/Stroke, gender (strokes are more common in men than women until the age of 75, then they are more common in women)
The F and the A in BE FAST stand for
Face. A sudden drop or numbness and tingling on one side of the face. Smile and look for an asymmetrical smile
Arm. Sudden weakness or change in sensation in one arm. Raise both arms to see if one feels heavy or uncoordinated.
Blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Areas of the brain that have their blood supply interrupted become oxygen starved and may be damaged. The longer the blood supply is interrupted, the more likely it is that the brain tissue will be damaged.
How is the brain damaged from a stroke.
This is a lack of oxygen
What is Ischemia?
These are things that contribute to strokes. (name one)
What are obesity, poor response to stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, and inactivity
Speech. A sudden change in speech. Say a simple phrase. Is it slurred, mumbled, or hard to get the words out?
Time. If you observe any of these signs call 911 right away.
85% of strokes are caused by a blood clot which blocks a blood vessel in the brain. Clots may form or break off and travel to the brain from a distance. This type of stroke is called
What is an Ischemic or Embolic Stroke
This mean brief or temporary. This may be used to describe stroke symptoms that last less than 24 hours.
What is Transient?
Monitor/control high blood pressure and hear disease. Stop smoking. Drink alcohol in moderation only. Monitor/control cholesterol level. Monitor/control Diabetes. Exercise regularly, eat a health diet, monitor /control circulation problems, find outlets to control stress
Another warning sign that is not included in BE FAST may be
Sudden, severe headache. Sudden changes in vision, feeling, or behavior. Loss of consciousness. Rapid onset of nausea and/or fever. Problems swallowing. Ringing in the ears. Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, balance problems, or coordination problems. Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking/slurred speech, difficulty understanding. TIAs
This type of stroke accounts for 15% of strokes result from a leaking or ruptured blood vessel. Injury from the stroke can take many forms. It depends on the area of the brain that is damaged. The stroke's effect may be slight and temporary or it may be serious, even causing death.
What is a hemorrhagic stroke?
This is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life in response to learning, experience, or injury.
What is neuroplasticity?
These are food to avoid.
What are Processed foods, such as fast food, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks. Saturated and trans fats, found in red meat, butter, and processed foods. Excessive salt intake.