Every second counts when it comes to a stroke. May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to educate ourselves and our loved ones on recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and the importance of acting quickly.

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked by a clot or ruptures, interrupting blood supply to the brain. That’s why immediate medical attention is crucial — the faster a stroke is treated, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Types of strokes

There are three main types of strokes, each requiring different treatments:

• Ischemic stroke – The most common type, accounting for about 87% of strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery supplying blood to the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke – Caused by a weakened blood vessel that bursts, leading to bleeding in the brain. High blood pressure and aneurysms are common risk factors.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) – Often called a "mini-stroke," a TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. While symptoms may disappear within minutes or hours, TIAs are warning signs of a potential major stroke and should never be ignored.

Know the signs: BE FAST

A simple way to remember the warning signs of a stroke is the acronym BE FAST:

B – Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination or trouble walking?
E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes?
F – Face: Does one side of the face droop when smiling?
A – Arms: Feel weakness or numbness in one arm or have difficulty raising both arms evenly?
S – Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or trouble understanding words?
T – Time: If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Reducing your stroke risk

While strokes can happen to anyone, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Engage in regular exercise to support heart and brain health.
• Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels in check.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress and mental health through mindfulness, relaxation and self-care.

Be fast, save a life.

Recognizing the signs of a stroke and taking immediate action can make all the difference. If you or someone you know experiences any of the BE FAST symptoms, don’t wait — call 911 right away. Fast treatment can minimize damage, improve outcomes and even save a life.

This Stroke Awareness Month, take a moment to share this life-saving information with friends and family. Awareness and quick action can be the key to preventing long-term disability or even death. Together, we can make a difference!

If you or someone you love experiences a stroke — don’t wait. Call 911 to get to one of our three certified stroke centers at Higgins General Hospital, Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton or Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica.

In addition, our team of specialists at the Tanner Neurology outpatient clinic will evaluate you and support your recovery for your long-term neurological health.