May is Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month! At IntelliRad Imaging, we want to emphasize the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms quickly. Every second counts when it comes to minimizing the long-term effects of a stroke.

Did you know that stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States? According to the CDC, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies from a stroke every 3.5 minutes. These statistics highlight the urgency of understanding the signs.

Remember the BE FAST acronym to help identify stroke symptoms:

Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

Eyes: Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes

Face: Drooping of one side of the face

Arm: Weakness or numbness in one arm

Speech: Difficulty speaking or understanding

Time: Call 911 immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Timely diagnosis through imaging plays a crucial role in effective stroke management. At IntelliRad Imaging, we’re committed to providing rapid and accurate imaging services to aid in the swift treatment of stroke patients. Last year, we responded to nearly 4,000 stroke alerts (non-contrast CT brain) at our partner hospitals.

Share this important information with your loved ones – it could save a life!