A representative from the Dallas County Health Department pinpoints identifiers for strokes.

Community Health Educator Natalie Peters tells Raccoon Valley Radio that strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain or a sudden bleeding in the brain. She reveals that it can be ignited from a blood clot, plaque build up, or in rare cases, it can be from bleeding from a bursting brain aneurysm. Peters shares the acronym “BE FAST” to help recognize symptoms.

“B is balance, is there a sudden loss of balance? E is eyes, is there a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. F is face, look for drooping, weakness or numbness on one side of the face. A is for arm, is one arm or leg weak or numb. S is speech, is speech slurred or unrecognizable, and then T is time.”

Peters explains that about one in five people that experience a stroke are most likely to encounter a second one, and encourages them to work with local health physicians on preventative measures. May is National Stroke Awareness Month.