May is Stroke Awareness Month: Act F.A.S.T.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month.

Did you know? Most strokes are preventable. And a large percentage of the ones that happen are treatable with the right care, right away. It's a matter of knowing what to do, taking action and spreading the word.

Use the acronym F.A.S.T. for stroke identification and treatment.
F - Facial droop
A - Arm weakness
S - Speech difficulty
T - Time to call 911

Unfortunately, nearly 800,000 (approximately 795,000) people in the United States have a stroke every year, with about three in four being first-time strokes.

Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death in the United States, killing nearly 130,000 people a year (128,978). That’s one in every 20 deaths.

Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds and every four minutes, someone dies of stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and the leading preventable cause of disability.
Estimates of the overall annual incidence of stroke in US children are 6.4 per 100,000 children (0 to 15 years), with approximately half being hemorrhagic strokes.

87% of strokes are classified as ischemic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot or a mass blocks a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to a part of the brain.

Our outstanding team of physicians, nurses and therapists from across BCH has been nationally recognized for excellent care provided to stroke patients.

We have been awarded Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

From the latest in emergency treatments and diagnostic technology to specially trained nurses and rehabilitation therapists, we support stroke patients at every step of their recovery journey. Our program includes:

• Quick access to neurologists. Patients who arrive at our emergency department with signs of a stroke will be seen by a neurologist, without waiting to be admitted to the hospital.
• Expedited care through Stroke Alert Protocol. Paramedics begin care in the ambulance and alert our stroke-care team so patients receive immediate treatment upon arrival at our Emergency Department.
• Specialized inpatient care. During your hospital stay, an experienced neurologist will direct your care and work closely with skilled nurses who have received extra stroke care education.
• Access to a caring support network. BCH holds free monthly support group meetings for stroke patients.

If you or someone you know is having a stroke, please call 911.