The BEFAST acronym stands for:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes: Blurred or double vision or sudden vision loss.
• Face: One side of the face drooping or feeling numb.
• Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech: Slurred or difficult speech.
• Time: Time to call emergency services immediately.

By using simple, memorable cues, BEFAST has made it easier for the public to recognize the signs of a stroke and act quickly. Studies show that when communities are educated with BEFAST, stroke patients arrive at hospitals sooner, allowing healthcare teams to initiate treatment faster and improve patient outcomes.

One of the biggest challenges in women’s stroke care is the difference in how symptoms present. While the classic BEFAST signs (Balance, Eyesight blur, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911) apply to both men and women, women may experience additional or atypical symptoms, such as:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Confusion or memory loss
• Hiccups or dizziness
• Sudden behavioral changes or agitation

Women often dismiss these symptoms as stress or exhaustion, which can lead to dangerous delays in treatment. Early intervention is critical—every second counts when it comes to stroke care.

The Importance of Timely Stroke Treatment

Women are more likely than men to experience delays in stroke diagnosis and treatment. Factors like living alone, misattributed symptoms, and systemic gaps in healthcare access contribute to this problem. Sevaro is working to change this by leveraging AI-powered technology and virtual neurology to bridge these gaps and deliver faster, more accurate stroke care.

How Sevaro is Revolutionizing Stroke Care

At Sevaro, our commitment to stroke care innovation aligns with the mission of Go Red for Women: breaking down barriers to healthcare access and ensuring timely, expert-driven stroke intervention. Our AI-powered Synapse AI technology enhances stroke detection and triage, enabling:

• Faster Diagnosis: AI assists in early stroke identification, reducing time-to-treatment.

• 24/7 Virtual Neurology Access: Our teleneurology specialists provide immediate consults, ensuring hospitals can deliver expert care in critical moments.

• Better Patient Outcomes: Timely intervention reduces long-term disability and improves survival rates, particularly for women, who often receive delayed care.

Caring for a stroke survivor can be demanding. It’s essential to prioritize your own mental and physical health so you can provide sustained, effective support. Seek help from other family members, join support groups, or connect with healthcare professionals for guidance.

Stroke recovery is a collaborative process. With patience, empathy, and understanding, you can make a lasting difference in your loved one’s journey toward regaining independence and improving their quality of life.

Sevaro offers stroke survivors and caretakers a free monthly support group that helps them cope with the pressures their circumstances may bring.

1. Use Simple, Age-Appropriate Language

The way you explain a stroke will depend on the child’s age and maturity. Younger children need simple explanations, while older kids may be ready for more detail.

For younger children, you might say, “Grandpa’s brain got sick, so it’s harder for him to talk and move. The doctors are helping him get better.”

For older children, you could explain, “A stroke happens when blood doesn’t get to a part of the brain. That can make it hard to walk, talk, or even smile. With treatment and therapy, we’re helping him recover.”

2. Focus on Recovery and Progress

Kids often worry about their loved one getting better. Share small wins in the recovery process to keep the focus on hope. For example, you might say, “Grandma is practicing her speech every day, and she’s getting better at saying more words.”

3. Teach Kids How They Can Help

Involving children in recovery—like helping with simple tasks or cheering on their loved one’s progress—can reduce their feelings of helplessness.

They can help set up therapy tools or activities, draw pictures or write encouraging notes, and celebrate small milestones together.

Here are some signs that don’t fit neatly into the BEFAST acronym but should still raise red flags:

1. Sudden Severe Headache (Especially With Nausea or Vomiting)

• What it looks like: A sudden, intense “thunderclap” headache that feels unlike anything you’ve experienced before. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision.
• Why it happens: This could be a sign of a hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding. The pressure from the bleeding irritates the brain, leading to a sudden headache.
• When to act: If someone reports “the worst headache of their life,” it’s time to call 911. Don’t assume it’s just a migraine.

2. Sudden Confusion or Memory Problems

• What it looks like: Trouble thinking clearly, difficulty concentrating, or sudden memory loss. A person might get lost in familiar places or have difficulty following simple instructions.
• Why it happens: If a stroke affects the parts of the brain responsible for cognitive processing, it can disrupt thought patterns and memory. The frontal and parietal lobes are often affected.
• When to act: If someone seems disoriented, confused, or forgetful out of nowhere—especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness or vision changes—get medical attention immediately.

3. Sudden Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)

• What it looks like: A person may choke on food, have difficulty drinking water, or be unable to swallow at all.
• Why it happens: Strokes that affect the part of the brain responsible for muscle control (like the medulla or brainstem) can weaken the muscles needed for swallowing.
• When to act: If someone has difficulty swallowing, especially if it’s accompanied by other stroke signs, get help. Dysphagia can also increase the risk of choking or pneumonia due to food entering the lungs.

4. Sudden Loss of Coordination or Clumsiness (Beyond Just Balance)

• What it looks like: Tripping while walking, dropping objects, or sudden clumsiness that wasn’t present before.
• Why it happens: Strokes that affect the cerebellum, which controls motor coordination and balance, can disrupt a person’s ability to move their limbs smoothly. This is different from general “balance issues” associated with BEFAST.
• When to act: If someone is suddenly uncoordinated or having trouble with fine motor skills, like buttoning a shirt or holding a pen, call 911.

5. Sudden Changes in Mood, Personality, or Emotional Control

• What it looks like: Someone may become unusually irritable, agitated, or emotionally reactive (e.g., crying for no reason or laughing inappropriately).
• Why it happens: A stroke in the brain’s frontal lobe (which controls personality, emotions, and social behavior) can trigger sudden emotional changes.
• When to act: If a person’s mood shifts drastically without an obvious cause, it’s worth seeking medical attention. People experiencing a stroke often don’t recognize their own behavioral changes, so it’s important for those around them to stay alert.

6. Blurred or Double Vision (Not Just Vision Loss)

• What it looks like: People may experience blurry or double vision in one or both eyes, sometimes paired with dizziness or balance issues.
• Why it happens: When a stroke affects the occipital lobe (which processes visual information), the brain’s ability to interpret vision is disrupted. Unlike BEFAST’s “vision loss” warning, blurred or double vision can seem less urgent—but it isn’t.
• When to act: If blurry or double vision comes on suddenly and doesn’t resolve quickly, call 911. Stroke-related vision problems won’t go away on their own.

7. Sudden Numbness or Tingling in Unusual Places

• What it looks like: Numbness or tingling sensations in areas like the fingers, toes, or even half of the face. People might describe it as “pins and needles.”
• Why it happens: Strokes that affect the somatosensory cortex (which processes sensory input) can cause tingling or numbness in the affected areas. This can feel different from the “arm weakness” seen in BEFAST.
• When to act: Numbness or tingling that comes on suddenly, especially if it occurs on one side of the body, warrants a 911 call. Even if it feels mild, it could signal a stroke in progress.

If someone has experienced a stroke, immediate medical attention is essential. Once the acute phase is managed, dietary and lifestyle choices can support recovery and rehabilitation:

1. Prioritize Hydration

Dehydration is common during the early stages of recovery and can worsen symptoms like confusion or fatigue. Encourage small, frequent sips of water, or opt for hydration-supporting foods like cucumbers, watermelon, or broth-based soups.

2. Soft and Nutrient-Dense Foods

If swallowing is a challenge (dysphagia), work with a speech therapist and dietitian to provide safe and nourishing options. Soft foods like pureed vegetables, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs can be easier to consume.

3. Protein for Healing

Protein supports muscle repair and recovery. Include sources like lean poultry, fish, tofu, or beans in meals. Greek yogurt and protein-rich smoothies are excellent for those with limited appetite or swallowing difficulties.

4. Foods to Improve Brain Function

Certain foods are particularly beneficial for brain recovery post-stroke:

• Fatty fish: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain cell repair.
• Berries: Packed with antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the brain.
• Nuts and seeds: Provide healthy fats and vitamin E for cognitive health.

5. Avoid Foods That Strain the Body

During recovery, the body is particularly sensitive to foods that can exacerbate inflammation or other health issues. Avoid:

• High-sodium packaged meals.
• Sugary snacks that can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes.
• Alcohol, as it can interfere with medications and slow healing.

6. Monitor Mental Health

Stroke survivors often face emotional challenges, such as depression or anxiety, which can impact their appetite and overall health. Support mental well-being by:

• Encouraging social interaction.
• Offering nutrient-rich comfort foods that are familiar and enjoyable.
• Considering therapy or counseling as part of the recovery plan.