According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the fifth cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. One in four people will experience a stroke in their lifetime. Although frightening, knowing the signs of stroke - and getting treatment at the closest facility - can help save lives.
BE FAST is a simple phrase to help quickly identify the warning signs and symptoms of a stroke.
- Balance - Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes - Sudden change in vision
- Face - Facial drooping or weakness on one side, uneven smile
- Arm - Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness, typically on one side of the body
- Speech - Sudden slurred speech, trouble speaking or trouble understanding speech
- Time to call 9-1-1 if the person shows any of the symptoms outlined above. Even if the symptoms improve or resolve, it is still important to call 9-1-1 to get to a hospital immediately. Time is brain. The faster a stroke is diagnosed and treated, the greater likelihood of a positive outcome. Transient ischemic attack - or mini strokes resolve but drastically increase the likelihood of a future stroke.
Additional symptoms of stroke may include: sudden confusion or sudden severe headache with no known cause.
Advanced stroke care is time dependent which is why it's critical to call 9-1-1 to get to the hospital. Calling 9-1-1 immediately allows emergency responders to notify the hospital of your arrival and activate the stroke response team so they can be waiting for you. This saves valuable minutes which can minimize the long term effects of stroke and even prevent death.Thanks to advancements in medicine and artificial-intelligence imaging technology, stroke treatments and survival rates have improved tremendously in the last decade.
Remember, B.E. F.A.S.T. and don’t delay care.
About Dr. Leifeste, MD
Alan E. Leifeste, MD, is a family medicine doctor with Ascension Seton in Kingsland, TX. He provides primary care, preventive health screenings, routine check-ups and vaccinations. Dr. Leifeste listens to understand you and your health concerns. He takes the time to get to know you and your family's health history. Then, Dr. Leifeste works with you to create a personalized care plan for your long-term health needs.
Whether you have new symptoms or just want to talk to a doctor about your health and wellness, Dr. Leifeste is here for you. He can help you stay healthy by providing preventive care, finding health concerns early and managing chronic conditions. When not caring for patients, Dr. Leifeste is an avid outdoorsman.
Ascension Seton Kingsland Health Center provides family medicine services. We listen to understand your health concerns. The health of you and your family is our priority. Our doctors and care teams specialize in family medicine, a type of primary care that provides ongoing healthcare for patients of all ages.
In addition to caring for individual acute illness and injury, we provide services to help promote better family health, including:
Adolescent medicine
Adult (senior) medical care, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Health prevention and dietary guidance
Pediatric well-child care and immunizations
Physicals: Annual, school, and sports
Screening tests
Women’s health services, including gynecological exams, Pap tests, biopsies and family planning
Our family medicine care team is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle and giving you the tools to help make informed healthcare decisions.
