Every second counts: Learn BEFAST to spot stroke symptoms
By Tashina Sharp, Sheridan VA Health Care System Chief of Quality and Patient Safety
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide—you’ve likely heard that before. But what we don’t often hear enough is how you can help improve the outcome if someone you or someone you know has a stroke.
I’m Tashina, a registered nurse at the Sheridan VA Medical Center. My passion for stroke prevention began early in my career as a neuro-trauma ICU nurse, where I cared for patients with severe neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injuries and strokes. That experience showed me how critical rapid recognition and treatment of stroke symptoms are for improving recovery and saving lives. Simply put, getting to the nearest emergency room immediately can make all the difference.
How do I know if someone is having a stroke?
The acronym BEFAST provides a simple yet effective tool to remember the critical signs of a stroke.
Balance
The "B" in BEFAST stands for Balance. One of the early indicators of a stroke can be a sudden loss of coordination or balance. This may manifest as difficulty walking, an unsteady gait, or dizziness. It's essential to note that this symptom can be easily overlooked or mistaken for other conditions. However, if someone suddenly seems disoriented or struggles to maintain their balance without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of a stroke and warrants immediate medical attention.
Eyes
"E" represents Eyes. Sudden vision changes are another critical stroke warning. This can include blurred vision, double vision, or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. Vision problems can dramatically impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and can be alarming for the individual experiencing them. If someone complains about a sudden and unexplained change in their vision, it is crucial to consider the possibility of a stroke.
Face
The "F" in BEFAST stands for Face. One of the most recognizable signs of a stroke is facial drooping. This symptom occurs when one side of the face becomes weak or numb, causing it to droop or sag. A simple way to check for this is to ask the person to smile. If one side of their face appears to be drooping or uneven, it is a strong indicator of a stroke. Facial weakness can also affect the ability to close the eye or wrinkle the forehead on the affected side.
Arms
"A" represents Arms. Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm is another hallmark of a stroke. To test for this, ask the person to raise both arms simultaneously. If one arm drifts downward or they are unable to lift it at all, this is a serious sign of a stroke. This symptom can also extend to weakness or numbness in the legs, affecting only one side of the body. The inability to use or control an arm or leg is alarming and requires immediate medical evaluation.
Speech
The "S" in BEFAST stands for Speech. Difficulty speaking or understanding speech is a common stroke symptom. This can include slurred, garbled, or strange speech patterns, difficulty finding words, or complete inability to speak. A simple test for this is to ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If their speech is slurred or if they struggle to repeat the phrase correctly, it is likely they are having a stroke.
Time
The final letter, "T," stands for Time. Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke treatment. The faster a person receives medical care, the better the chances of minimizing the brain damage caused by the stroke. If you observe any of the BEFAST symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve or go away on their own. Prompt treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce the risk of long-term disability or death.
Stroke awareness and early recognition of symptoms are critical. By familiarizing yourself with the BEFAST acronym, you can quickly identify the warning signs of a stroke and take decisive action. Acting fast not only saves lives but also enhances the chances of full recovery, so it’s important to be vigilant and prepared.
NOTE: The Sheridan VA Medical Center does not have the ability to treat acute stroke symptoms, so go to the nearest emergency room if you have any signs. Remember, every second counts during a stroke – BEFAST and make a difference.