Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, affecting hundreds of thousands of people each year. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Without swift intervention, these cells can die within minutes, leading to potentially devastating consequences. The good news is that fast action can significantly reduce the long-term impact, and recognizing the signs early could save a life. South County Health’s Dr. Peter Bellafiore, neurologist; Dr. Peter Graves, Chief of Emergency Medicine; and Alyssa Marciniak, RN, director, Emergency Department, offer invaluable warning signs and action steps.
When it comes to strokes, every second counts. “The phrase ‘time is brain’ is one we use regularly in emergency medicine,” says Dr. Graves. “Every minute truly counts. Quick recognition and immediate medical attention are critical to reducing the risk of permanent disability,” Dr. Bellafiore adds. “If you or someone around you is showing any symptoms, no matter how mild, don’t hesitate to call 911. Some people wait to see if the symptoms will go away on their own, but that delay can lead to permanent damage.” Use the acronym FAST to look for signs:
F - Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop, or is the person unable to smile?
A - Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S - Speech difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred or difficult to understand? Can they repeat a simple sentence?
T - Time to call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
According to Alyssa Marciniak, “First and foremost, call 911 right away. Even if you’re not sure, it’s always better to get checked out. EMTs can begin life-saving treatments on the way to the hospital, and they can take the patient to a facility that’s best equipped to handle stroke cases, like South County Health, which is a Primary Stroke Accreditation Center.”
“Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. A family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease can also increase risk. But while these factors make someone more likely to experience a stroke, it can happen to anyone, including young and otherwise healthy individuals,” says Marciniak.
Dr. Peter Bellafiore
Neurologist
Dr. Peter Graves
Chief of Emergency Medicine
Alyssa Marciniak, RN
Director, Emergency Department
100 Kenyon Avenue, Wakefield
401-782-8000 • SouthCountyHealth.org
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