{"id":13422,"date":"2026-04-03T11:09:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:09:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/?p=13422"},"modified":"2026-04-03T11:09:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:09:17","slug":"every-minute-counts-b-e-f-a-s-t-save-a-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kauveryhospital.com\/blog\/neurology\/every-minute-counts-b-e-f-a-s-t-save-a-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Every Minute Counts: B.E. F.A.S.T. \u2013 Save a Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide<\/a>. It strikes suddenly and can alter a person\u2019s life within minutes. When a stroke occurs, every passing moment causes irreversible brain damage \u2014 nearly two million brain cells die each minute the brain is deprived of oxygen. This is why the message is so urgent: every minute counts. B.E. F.A.S.T.<\/p>\n

What Causes a Stroke?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. The two main types of stroke are ischaemic and haemorrhagic.<\/p>\n

Ischaemic strokes, which account for about 80\u201385% of all cases, occur when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked, often by a clot or fatty deposit.<\/p>\n

Haemorrhagic strokes happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain.<\/p>\n

Several factors increase the risk of stroke \u2014 high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, and physical inactivity. Among these, uncontrolled hypertension is the most significant modifiable risk factor. Regular health check-ups, early diagnosis, and consistent management of these conditions can substantially lower the risk of stroke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

B.E. F.A.S.T. \u2013 Every Minute Counts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The outcome of a stroke depends largely on how quickly it is identified and treated. The acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. helps everyone remember the critical warning signs:<\/p>\n

B – Balance:<\/em><\/strong> Watch for a sudden loss of balance or coordination<\/p>\n

E – Eyes: <\/em><\/strong>Note any sudden vision changes, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes<\/p>\n

F \u2013 Face:<\/em><\/strong> Ask the person to smile. Is one side of the face drooping?<\/p>\n

A \u2013 Arm:<\/em><\/strong> Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?<\/p>\n

S \u2013 Speech:<\/em><\/strong> Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?<\/p>\n

T \u2013 Time:<\/em><\/strong> If any of these signs are present, it\u2019s time to call emergency services immediately.<\/p>\n

Prompt treatment can make the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability. In ischaemic strokes, clot-dissolving drugs (thrombolytics) or procedures like mechanical thrombectomy can restore blood flow \u2014 but only if administered within a critical time window, usually within 4.5 hours for medications and up to 24 hours for certain procedures. For haemorrhagic strokes, urgent control of bleeding and blood pressure is essential. Delay in reaching medical care can cost precious brain tissue and, often, a life.<\/p>\n

Rehabilitation and Recovery\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Stroke recovery extends beyond the hospital. Rehabilitation begins early and focuses on restoring lost abilities \u2014 movement, speech, and independence. A team of specialists, including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists work together to help patients regain function and confidence. Consistent, goal-orientated rehabilitation greatly improves long-term outcomes and quality of life.<\/p>\n

Preventing a Stroke\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The most effective way to fight stroke is through prevention. A few lifestyle choices can make a powerful difference:<\/p>\n