May marks Stroke Awareness Month; what are the signs to look for?
Doctors advise using the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs: balance, eyes, face, arm, speech and time.
If someone shows signs such as losing balance, vision changes, drooping face, weak arm or trouble speaking, call 911 right away. Every minute counts when someone is having a stroke.
We can also take steps now to prevent strokes in the future. Dr. Marc Alain Babi with the Cleveland Clinic says someone has a stroke every 40 seconds in the U.S., and anyone can have one.
'Stroke is not just a disease that affects the elderly. Stroke can affect the entire spectrum of ages. Of course, the risk of stroke does increase as we get older in age, but stroke can affect all the way from neonates, from birth, younger adults — which we're seeing, unfortunately — an increase in both incidence and serious complications of stroke in young adults,' Babi said.
Babi said genetics also play a role, which is why it's important to review any family history of stroke with a doctor.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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