Working Against the Clock: Recognizing Stroke Symptoms When Every Second Counts

When it comes to stroke, timing is everything. For every minute that passes without treatment, the risk of life-changing complications grows exponentially. Tune into this episode to learn everything you need to know about recognizing stroke symptoms and how to respond when you do.
Join Dr. Eve Glazier as she sits down with interventional neurologist Dr. May Nour to discuss why strokes happen, how they are treated, and why they are so time-sensitive. Dr. Nour, director of UCLA's mobile stroke unit program, shares the six letters everyone should memorize to quickly recognize critical stroke symptoms: BEFAST. Look out for sudden, acute changes in Balance, Eyes (vision), Face (droop or weakness), Arms (weakness or sensory changes), or Speech (slurred words) and recognize that it is Time to call 911. ASAP.
You will also learn about the risk factors for stroke--those you can control and those you can't. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at mobile stroke units, how they work, and how they are revolutionizing stroke care by bringing the "hospital" to the patient.
The reality is that one in four of us will have a stroke in our lifetime. Memorize BEFAST, share it with five people you love, and have them share it with five more. This simple acronym could one day save your life or the life of someone you love.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke, Suzanne Koudsi Walker
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Associate Producer: Jennifer Feld
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.