Patient Education / For nurses / Patient handout
Patient handout · NeurologyStroke: Know the Signs and Lower Your Risk
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Fast treatment protects the brain, and daily habits help prevent another stroke.
Remember BE FAST
- B, Balance: sudden loss of balance.
- E, Eyes: sudden vision loss or change.
- F, Face: one side droops.
- A, Arms: one arm or leg becomes weak or numb.
- S, Speech: speech is slurred or strange.
- T, Time: call 911 right away.
Act at once
- Call 911 even if the signs go away. This is a warning stroke.
- Write down the time the signs began.
- Do not drive yourself. Wait for the ambulance.
- Do not take aspirin, food, or drinks while you wait.
Take your medicines
- Take your blood thinner or anti-clot pill every day. Do not stop it on your own.
- Take your blood pressure and cholesterol medicines daily.
- Your blood pressure goal: ____________.
Build healthy habits
- Stop smoking.
- Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men or 1 for women.
- Keep your blood sugar in your target range.
- Move most days, as your care team advises.
- Eat vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, and less salt.
Stay safe at home
- Remove loose rugs. Use grab bars, good shoes, and your cane or walker.
- If you were taught a swallowing plan, sit up straight and take small bites.
Call your provider today if you have
- Coughing or choking when you eat or drink
- Blood pressure above your goal again and again
- New bruising or small bleeds
- A fall, even without injury
- Feeling sad or hopeless most days
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Any sudden BE FAST sign, even if it goes away
- A sudden, very bad headache
- Sudden confusion, a seizure, or passing out
- A head injury while on a blood thinner, or heavy bleeding
This handout supports, not replaces, advice from your own nurse or doctor.
For nurses and nursing students: the teaching guide behind this handout →