Did you know that every minute a stroke goes untreated, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die? This staggering fact highlights why strokes must be treated with the same urgency as heart attacks. Time is brain, and knowing the warning signs could save a life.
This reality hit painfully close to home. My stroke, caused by carotid webbing—a rare condition more common in African American women. My stroke changed my life in ways I never expected and what I call the hidden scars of a stroke warrior.
My Story: Facing the Unexpected
It was a day like any other, except it wasn’t. I was at my husband’s farewell party when my life flashed before the eyes of party attendees and customers of the brewery. My words started to slur, onset of full left side face paralysis (facial droop), unconsciousness. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was having a stroke. That night, my life changed forever.
The cause? Carotid webbing, a condition I had never even heard of before my stroke. It’s a rare abnormality in the carotid artery that can lead to blood clots and, ultimately, a stroke. Learning that this condition disproportionately affects African American women was eye-opening and has since fueled my mission to spread awareness.
I’m here today because of the swift actions of those around me, but I can’t help but think: what if no one had recognized the signs? What if I hadn’t gotten treatment in time? Those questions haunt me, but they also motivate me to educate others.
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke with BE FAST
In my case, the symptoms were clear once you knew what to look for. The acronym BE FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke and act quickly:
- B – Balance: Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination? This was one of my first signs.
- E – Eyes: Blurred or double vision? The last thing I remember was everything going black.
- F – Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop? My face was noticeably uneven.
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Is one weak or drifting? For me, weakness set in quickly.
- S – Speech: Are words slurred, or is speech difficult? This was one of my most alarming symptoms.
- T – Time: Call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs. Don’t hesitate—every second counts.
Why Acting FAST Matters
When it comes to strokes, time is everything:
- Quick action saves lives. The faster treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
- Clot-busting medications are most effective when administered within 3-4.5 hours of symptom onset. The medication didn’t work for me. But thankfully, the medical team swiftly went into action to perform another procedure known as a mechanical thrombectomy to remove the blood clot in my brain.
- Delays can lead to long-term disability or even death. Don’t wait—even if the symptoms seem to fade.
How You Can Help
- Learn the Symptoms: Commit the BE FAST acronym to memory.
- Know Your Risk Factors: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity all increase the risk of stroke. Regular check-ups can save lives.
- Spread Awareness: Share this post with friends and family to educate them about stroke warning signs and the importance of acting fast.
My Mission: Stroke Awareness Saves Lives
Living with the aftermath of a stroke isn’t easy. My words sometimes swirl, my tongue feels heavy, and the fear of another stroke is always in the back of my mind. But I’ve made it my mission to face these fears and rise above them. To educate others about conditions like carotid webbing and the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms.
Every second counts. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that time is brain. Let’s work together to reduce the impact of strokes by staying informed and prepared.
Have a stroke story or tip to share? Let’s connect here. Comment below or share this post with someone who needs to know the signs of a stroke. Together, we can save lives.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. And remember to BE FAST.
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