A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. While many believe strokes happen suddenly, research shows that warning signs can appear weeks or even months before an attack. Recognizing these early signals could save lives by allowing timely medical intervention.
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### **What Causes a Stroke?**
A stroke happens when:
- A blood clot blocks an artery in the brain (**ischemic stroke**, the most common type).
- A blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in the brain (**hemorrhagic stroke**).
- A temporary blockage causes a **transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke")**, often a precursor to a major stroke.
When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they begin to die within minutes, leading to potential long-term disability or death.
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### **Don’t Ignore These Early Warning Signs**
Studies suggest that **up to 90 days before a stroke**, the body may send warning signals. A TIA, though brief, is a major red flag.
**Dr. Giglio warns:**
*"Even if symptoms disappear quickly, a TIA could mean you’re at high risk of a full stroke within 48 hours—or up to 90 days later."*
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### **Remember "BEFAST" to Spot a Stroke**
Experts recommend this acronym to identify stroke symptoms:
- **B (Balance)** – Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, or trouble walking.
- **E (Eyes)** – Blurred, double, or lost vision.
- **F (Face)** – One side drooping or an uneven smile.
- **A (Arm)** – Weakness or numbness in one arm.
- **S (Speech)** – Slurred or confused speech.
- **T (Time or Terrible Headache)** – **Act immediately!** A sudden, severe headache could also signal a stroke.
**Dr. Joshua Willey (Columbia University) notes:**
*"TIA symptoms may last just 30–60 seconds—never ignore them, even if they fade."*
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### **Reduce Your Stroke Risk**
Key risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The **CDC recommends**:
✔ **Exercise regularly**
✔ **Eat a heart-healthy diet** (low salt, low sugar, high fiber)
✔ **Quit smoking**
✔ **Control blood pressure & cholesterol** with medication if needed
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### **Act Fast—Every Second Counts!**
If you or someone shows **any** BEFAST symptoms—**call emergency services immediately**. Early treatment can prevent permanent damage and save lives.
*"Don’t wait—even a minute’s delay can be the difference between recovery and disability."* – **Stroke Specialists**
