Stroke Awareness Month
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Stroke Awareness Month

Published On
May 8, 2026

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May is Stroke Awareness Month. This is a time to increase understanding of stroke risk, warning signs, and the importance of acting quickly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States has a stroke approximately every 40 seconds, and about every 3 minutes, someone dies from a stroke. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke, making it one of the leading causes of death and serious longterm disability nationwide. Although the risk of stroke increases with age, strokes can occur at any age.

Because strokes can affect people of all ages and health backgrounds, it is critical to recognize the warning signs and know what to do in an emergency. The American Stroke Association recommends remembering the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. to quickly identify the most common symptoms of stroke.

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B.E. F.A.S.T. – Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs

  • B — Balance Loss: Sudden trouble with balance, coordination, walking, or unexplained dizziness

  • E — Eye (Vision) Changes: Sudden vision loss, blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes

  • F — Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb; a smile may appear uneven

  • A — Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm; one arm may drift downward when raised

  • S — Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech

  • T — Time to Call 911: If any of these symptoms are present, call 911 immediately, even if they go away 

Additional stroke symptoms may include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body), confusion, difficulty understanding speech, or a sudden severe headache with no known cause.  

Recognizing stroke symptoms early and acting quickly can help reduce brain damage, longterm disability, and save lives.

How BrightStar Can Help After a Stroke

Recovery after a stroke often continues well beyond the hospital stay. At BrightStar, we understand that stroke survivors and their families may need extra support at home as they adjust to changes in mobility, daily routines, or overall independence. Our care teams can help support recovery by assisting with everyday activities, reinforcing care plans established by healthcare providers, offering companionship and supervision, and providing reassurance to families during the recovery process. By offering personalized, compassionate support, BrightStar is here to help individuals live safely, confidently, and comfortably following a stroke.

Contact us today to learn more – 248-952-9944

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