Stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening medical emergency that demands immediate attention. In the United States, stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death and is one of the most common reasons adults are left with long-term disabilities. Although a stroke can happen to anyone at any age, statistics show that women are at an even greater risk. According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death among women, with one in five expected to experience a stroke at some point in her lifetime.

These numbers highlight the importance of recognizing the signs of a stroke and understanding why urgent action can make all the difference. A stroke, often referred to as a “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. This blockage can either result from an ischemic stroke, the more common type caused by a blood clot or other obstruction, or from a hemorrhagic stroke, which occurs when a weakened blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Hemorrhagic strokes are often the result of an aneurysm or an arteriovenous malformation, a condition where abnormal blood vessels can break unexpectedly. Regardless of the type, when brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, cells begin to die within minutes. This can lead to catastrophic damage, irreversible injury, lifelong disability, or even death. That’s why recognizing the symptoms and responding immediately by calling 911 is essential to improving outcomes and potentially saving a life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized five key warning signs of a stroke. These signs often come on suddenly and should always be treated as a medical emergency. The first sign is sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body. The second is sudden confusion, which can show up as difficulty speaking or understanding speech. The third symptom is sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. Fourth, people may experience dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty walking, or poor coordination. The fifth warning sign is a sudden, severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone around you shows any of these symptoms, time is of the essence. Calling 911 immediately allows trained medical professionals to begin treatment on the way to the hospital, increasing the odds of survival and recovery.

Speed is critical when dealing with a stroke. For ischemic strokes in particular, every minute counts. Experts say that nearly 1.9 million brain cells die each minute a stroke is left untreated. The faster treatment begins, the better the chances of limiting brain damage and improving recovery. To help people remember what to look for, medical professionals use the acronym F.A.S.T. “F” stands for face drooping—ask the person to smile, and if one side of their face droops, it’s a red flag. “A” stands for arm weakness—ask them to raise both arms, and if one arm drifts downward or feels weak, that’s another sign. “S” is for speech difficulty—have them repeat a simple phrase to see if their speech is slurred or unusual. Finally, “T” stands for time to call 911. Don’t hesitate or try to drive to the hospital yourself; emergency responders are trained to provide life-saving treatment before you even reach the emergency room. Starting care right away can make a huge difference in whether a person survives a stroke and what their recovery looks like afterward.

While anyone can suffer from a stroke, certain groups face higher risks. Though age increases the likelihood of stroke, young adults and even teenagers can be affected. In fact, the CDC reports that one in seven strokes occurs in individuals between the ages of 15 and 49. Women are not only more likely to have strokes but also tend to experience more severe outcomes than men. Some risk factors, such as age, gender, and family history, are beyond your control. However, many stroke risk factors can be managed or prevented through lifestyle changes and medical care. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as unhealthy habits like smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, all contribute to an increased risk. The good news is that by addressing these issues, you can take steps to reduce your risk. Seeing a healthcare provider regularly can help monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, all of which are important for stroke prevention. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress are key to protecting your brain health.

In conclusion, strokes are a medical emergency that require fast and decisive action. By understanding the symptoms, acting quickly, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can lower your risk and help those around you. When it comes to strokes, time is brain—every second counts. Your quick response could save your life or someone else’s. Remember, recognizing the signs and acting F.A.S.T. is the best defense against the devastating effects of stroke.