AtlantiCare Encourages you to B.E.F.A.S.T. to Fight Stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. It is one of the leading causes of death in the country and the leading cause of disability in adults.
Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of needed oxygen and nutrients.
During the month of May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month, AtlantiCare is raising awareness about the importance of dialing 911 for stroke symptoms and the impact of stroke on individuals of all ages.
“Time is brain,” says Jorge L. Eller, M.D., cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon, AtlantiCare Neurosciences Institute, Thomas Jefferson University at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center (ARMC). “The longer it takes for treatment to start, the greater the risk of permanent brain damage or death.”
“Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is the first step in ensuring the stroke victim gets care immediately,” David Stidd, M.D., endovascular and general neurosurgeon, AtlantiCare Neurosciences Institute, Thomas Jefferson University at ARMC.
Stroke symptoms include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble understanding; trouble speaking; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; and/or sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
AtlantiCare suggests using the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. to easily spot stroke symptoms and get help quickly by dialing 911. The letters stand for:
B: Balance. Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
E: Eyes. Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
F: Face Drooping. Notice if one side of his or her face droops. Ask him or her if his or her face is numb. Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided?
A: Arm Weakness. Ask the person if one arm is weak or numb and have him or her raise both arms. Do you notice one arm drifting downward?
S: Speech Difficulty. Do you notice slurred speech? Is the person unable to speak or are you having trouble understanding what the person is saying? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T: Time to Call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1.
Additional symptoms can occur separately or with B.E.F.A.S.T. signs. If you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke, it is important to dial 911 to get to the right hospital quickly.
Stidd says many people dismiss stroke symptoms, attributing them to a severe headache or just being tired.
“People often don’t want to believe that they are having a stroke,” says Eller. “Some think they are too young. However, we are seeing younger patients. We’ve treated patients in their late twenties for stroke. Stroke can strike anyone.”
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important in preventing stroke. Having healthy blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index helps reduce risk of stroke. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly also helps reduce your risk,” says Stidd.
ARMC’s nationally accredited and state-designated comprehensive stroke center is part of the Jefferson Neurosciences Network and the first and only university-affiliated comprehensive stroke center in southeastern New Jersey. ARMC’s Stroke Center is designed to give patients rapid access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options delivered by an expert stroke team. 

ARMC’s Neurosurgery and Acute Stroke response teams assess and treat complex strokes 24 hours a day, seven days a week. AtlantiCare’s experienced, dedicated Neuro-Critical Care team specializes in state-of-the-art stroke care, using the most advanced technology. ARMC stroke experts use clot-dissolving drugs and specialized endovascular techniques to treat acute strokes.
ARMC’s Neurosciences Institute includes a sophisticated endovascular treatment suite. Endovascular stroke treatment is treatment the team performs using minimally invasive procedures within the blood vessels. This includes using mechanical devices to remove blood clots and reopen brain arteries. The neurosurgeon does this by inserting catheters through arteries in the groin and navigating them into the blocked arteries in the brain. The catheter delivers a stent through the artery. This technique can completely reverse symptoms of a stroke if performed timely in patients who meet the criteria.
“Stroke is an emergency,” says Eller. “Be FAST to save your or a loved one’s brain – or life.”
For more information
about stroke care at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, AtlantiCare’s Stroke Support Group, or community events, please call the AtlantiCare Access Center at 1-888-569-1000, visit www.atlanticare.org or find AtlantiCare on Facebook.