Stroke Awareness Month Campaign

May is Stroke Awareness Month

Do you know the signs of stroke? A stroke affects blood flow to the brain and is a medical emergency. Strokes can happen to anyone without warning and are a leading cause of death and disability. Knowing the signs and taking immediate action can help save a life. Stroke can occur at any age, but certain factors increase your risk.

Are You at Risk?

Risks that increase the chance for stroke include high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (Afib), and diabetes. Other risk factors include family history, gender and race. Did you know African Americans are more likely to have a stroke than any other racial group? There are also risk factors you can control like smoking and lack of physical activity.

A stroke risk assessment can help you identify risk factors and empower you to take control of your health. Find out if you are at risk in just 3 minutes with our stroke risk assessment. Take this simple and important step towards preventing stroke today.

BE FAST to Recognize Stroke Symptoms

The American Stroke Association offers an easy-to-remember acronym for stroke symptoms — BE FAST. Recognizing stroke symptoms could save your or someone else’s life: 

• B - Balance. Watch for sudden loss of balance.
• E - Eyes. Check for vision loss.
• F – Face drooping. Numbness or drooping on one side of the face. Ask the person to smile to see if their smile is uneven. 
• A – Arm weakness. Numbness or weakness in one arm. Ask the person to raise both arms to see if one arm sinks lower. 
• S – Speech difficulty. Difficulty communicating, with slurred speech. 
• T – Time to call 911. Make the call immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.

Fast, Expert Stroke Treatment 

Learn more about the different kinds of stroke and treatment and prevention options.

Methodist Neuroscience Institute & Stroke Centers

When every moment counts, you want a stroke care team you can trust. The Methodist Neuroscience Institute's trained, coordinated team is ready to jump into action and deliver lifesaving care. Four Methodist hospitals are certified as Primary Stroke Centers, and Methodist University Hospital is certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, which means you get comprehensive care from stroke experts. 

Talk to your doctor about your risk for stroke.