It’s a simple way to remember the common symptoms of a stroke and act quickly to get medical help. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke. The longer you wait, the more damage can be done to the brain. So…BE FAST. 

B – Balance: Is the person experiencing a sudden loss of balance or coordination

E – Eyes: Is the person having sudden vision loss or double vision

F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop

A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward

S – Speech: Is the person slurring their speech or having difficulty speaking

T – Time: If any of these symptoms are present, it’s time to call 911 and get to the hospital immediately

Remember, a stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of age or gender. By knowing the BE FAST acronym and acting quickly, you could help save a life and prevent long-term disability.

As a stroke warrior, it’s important to me to spread awareness about stroke symptoms and educate others on the importance of seeking medical help as soon as possible. So, be prepared, be aware, and BE FAST! 

 I will leave you with a song I listen to often as a reminder and refresher to my soul. 

When most people hear the word “stroke,” we typically associate it with risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. However, strokes can occur due to various causes, some of which are incredibly rare but worth exploring. One of these rare causes is the cause of my stroke. In this article, I will delve into the lesser-known factors that can lead to stroke, bringing awareness to these medical conditions and helping save lives.

Fibromuscular Dysplasia is a rare condition that affects the walls of arteries, causing them to develop abnormal cell growth. This results in the narrowing or enlargement of arteries, potentially leading to reduced blood flow and increased significantly contributing risk of stroke. Although FMD primarily affects the arteries supplying the kidneys, it can also impact the carotid and vertebral arteries, making it a significant contributor to stroke among young individuals. Carotid webbing was the exact cause of my stroke; however, FMD was not detected, which brings even more mystery to my case.

Arteriovenous Malformation is an abnormal tangle of brain or spinal cord blood vessels. This condition can weaken the vessel walls and disrupt the normal blood flow, potentially leading to the formation of blood clots or hemorrhages. If a clot or rupture occurs within an AVM, it can trigger a stroke. While AVMs are generally congenital, symptoms and stroke risk may only manifest later in life.

Vasculitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of blood vessels, which can affect various organs, including the brain. This inflammation can cause narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to decreased blood supply and potential stroke occurrence. Different forms of vasculitis, such as giant cell arteritis, Takayasu’s arteritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, can pose a risk for stroke in affected individuals.

Cervical artery dissection is a tear in the lining of one of the major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain. This tear can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which can block blood flow or break loose and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. The exact cause of cervical artery dissection is often unknown, but it can occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma or an underlying connective tissue disorder.

While strokes are commonly associated with traditional risk factors, it is essential to be aware of the less common causes that can also contribute to this debilitating condition. Conditions like fibromuscular dysplasia, arteriovenous malformation, vasculitis, and cervical artery dissection are just a few examples of rare causes that can lead to stroke. Understanding these less-known risk factors can aid in early detection, diagnosis, and prevention of stroke, allowing for better management and improved outcomes.

If you or someone you know experiences stroke-like symptoms, regardless of age, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce the impact of a stroke and improve the chances of recovery. Remember, knowledge is power, and by being informed about the various causes of stroke, we can work towards a healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. 

I appreciate your readership and support. To ensure the sustainability and growth of Stroke Talks’ mission, I kindly ask for your monetary contribution, which will help cover expenses and support me in bringing stroke awareness and saving lives. Your support, no matter the amount, is invaluable. Thank you for being a part of this journey. 

Before having a stroke at the age of 43, I really didn’t know what a stroke was. My knowledge of a stroke was that it happened to old people. Or to individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. I thought of a stroke as a medical condition that attacked one’s physical body. But I had never taken a second thought about a stroke actually attacking and effecting one’s brain.

Brain injuries are invisible. Most only associate the physical signs of Stroke. I will talk more about this in an upcoming blog post. But trust me, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

Commonly visible residuals of a stroke include

• facial droop to one side of the stroke warriors body
• one’s gait as they walk
• how one holds the effected side’s arm or foot drop

But these things never made me think about a stroke occurring in the brain or affecting the brain in any way. In cases such as mine, without any visible signs to the naked eye, you’d never know I suffered an ischemic stroke in April 2021.

Inova Neuroscience explains that strokes are aptly referred to as a “brain attack.” When there is an interruption of blood flow to the brain, either because of a clot or ruptured blood vessel, sudden brain damage occurs. 

INOVA is where I was taken for care during the onset of my Stroke due to a rare cause.

I have replayed the day of my Stroke over in my mind numerous times, wondering if I missed anything. I’ve examined pictures and videos of days, weeks, and months prior to April 17, 2021, as well. And there is absolutely nothing alarming to me.

There were days that I was angry. I wanted to know WHY ME. I had done everything right when it came to my health.

I was angry, scared, and sad. I was on an emotional roller coaster. An emotional roller coaster that I didn’t know how to stop. But I picked myself up and found the blessing and joy in what I’ve gone through. Yes, I said joy. The joy of being alive and sharing my journey no matter how difficult and scary it may be. I’m here to share my story to bring awareness, help save lives and shine a light of hope and support to other stroke survivors and loved ones. 

I will leave you with a song I listen to often as a reminder and refresher to my soul. Not Lucky, I’m Loved.

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