May is stroke awareness month. And it may have taken on new meaning since the onset of COVID.
It appears that when COVID-19 kept families apart, it meant fewer opportunities for loved ones to notice the signs of stroke. And so more people fell victim. This month shines the light on the importance of recognizing the signs of stroke.
Doctors say stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability. And now we know the pandemic contributed in several ways to an increase in fatal strokes in the United States last year. Here’s Dr. Jeffrey Fletcher, who specializes in neuro-critical care, neurology and vascular neurology for Metro Health – University of Michigan Health.
“We think it’s a lot of factors, increased stroke, due to coronavirus disease, but also the stress of the pandemic on the health system .”
Despite the complications of COVID-19, the most important aspect of stroke treatment has never changed. Dr. Fletcher says: Every second counts to limit the risk of brain damage and death.
“Stroke is a time sensitive emergency, so every minute that we delay treatment, you’re losing healthy days of life, and some people may not survive, so the mnemonic, “time is brain”, is what we go by in the world of stroke.”
May is Stroke Awareness Month, an appropriate time to emphasize the importance of recognizing the signs, which can be memorized by the acronym” B.E. F.A.S.T.
“Be Fast, is one of the most common mnemonics to remind people of the symptoms of a stroke, in themselves or a loved one. So, changes in Balance, changes in your vision or eyesight that come on quickly, changes in your face, like a droopy face, like one side isn’t moving as well. Weakness in an arm or a leg, changes in speech, like slurred speech, or trouble finding the right words to say. And then in that mnemonic, the T for time, stands for time, which is to remind people to call 9-1-1 because this is a very time sensitive emergency.”
Dr. Fletcher says “BE FAST” is key and calling 9-1-1 can be the difference between life and death, severe disability and recovery. He adds, there’s a lot you can do- by limiting risk factors and leading a healthy life.
You can find more about the signs of stroke and survivor resources at metrohealth.net
