A stroke doesn’t wait—and neither should you. May is National Stroke Awareness Month, a reminder to recognize stroke symptoms and act fast.
A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. When that happens, brain cells suffer within minutes. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of long‑term disability or death.
“We have a 4.5 hour window after stroke to give patients the best odds in recovery,” said Jessica Hodson, emergency physician at Riverwood. “If you feel off or notice stroke symptoms, mark that time and call 911 right away.”
What symptoms should you watch for?
An easy way to remember the warning signs is BE FAST:
- Balance – Sudden dizziness or trouble walking
- Eyes – Changes in vision in one or both eyes
- Face – One side of the face droops when smiling
- Arms – One arm feels weak or drops when raised
- Speech – Words sound slurred or don’t make sense
- Time – Call 911 right away
Care when you need it most
Riverwood Healthcare Center is designated as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, which means our team is prepared to act quickly and provide care when every minute counts.
Share this information with someone you care about. You never know when the signs could help save a life—maybe even your own.