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Understanding the warning signs of a stroke is essential, as timely action can genuinely save lives. A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, and when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, every second without oxygen increases the risk of serious damage. Knowing each symptom, especially at an early stage, makes a significant difference.

The most common and dangerous signs of a stroke include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, loss of balance, or an intense headache. Awareness of these symptoms allows you to act swiftly to get help, potentially preventing severe damage or disability. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Nirmal Surya, Consulting Neurophysician and President of the Indian Stroke Association (ISA), emphasized that acting FAST can save lives. "A stroke is an emergency that demands immediate attention as every second counts. Recognizing the warning signs early can help save lives and improve the chances of successful treatment," he stated.

Dr. Surya highlighted that there has been a significant rise in stroke cases across India, with millions of lives lost to stroke. A stroke occurs when oxygen-rich blood supply is abruptly stopped or reduced to a part of the brain, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for vital functions. This can severely damage the brain and impact quality of life. Therefore, recognizing stroke symptoms early and acting quickly increases the chances of positive outcomes, saves lives, and minimizes brain damage.

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The BEFAST acronym is an effective way to remember the warning signs of stroke, encouraging individuals to act quickly and seek medical help at a nearby stroke-ready hospital.

The Warning Signs Of A Stroke: BEFAST

  1. B - Balance: Sudden trouble with balance or coordination can indicate a stroke.
  2. E - Eyes: Watch for blurred or double vision or sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
  3. F - Face: Check if one side of the face is numb or drooping. Ask the person to smile to see if facial muscles are affected.
  4. A - Arm: If the person cannot lift their arms or if one arm starts to fall, this could be a sign of stroke. Arm weakness may indicate that stroke is affecting the part of the brain responsible for controlling movement on that side of the body.
  5. S - Speech: Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or trouble understanding others is another crucial sign. This occurs when the part of the brain responsible for language and communication is impacted.
  6. T - Time: If any of these symptoms appear, call an ambulance immediately. Acting fast is essential to increase the chance of successful treatment and recovery.

Dr. Nirmal Surya stressed that awareness and education are crucial to preventing strokes. Remembering the BEFAST acronym (Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time) can make a life-saving difference, as every minute counts.