US Senator Chris Murphy suffered a stroke on Saturday and is expected to make an excellent recovery, according to his office. The incident has highlighted the importance of recognising the warning signs and seeking medical help quickly.
Murphy, 53, noticed numbness in his arm while attending his son’s hockey game. His staff said he acted quickly to receive care, reflecting the final letter of the BE FAST stroke warning acronym: “T” for time.
The American Stroke Association says the six-letter guide can help people identify a stroke and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.
How BE FAST helps identify a stroke
“B” stands for balance. Sudden dizziness, difficulty walking or an unexpected loss of balance may indicate that a stroke is taking place.
“E” refers to changes in the eyes. Blurred or double vision, or a loss of sight in one eye, are warning signs.
“F” is for facial drooping. Asking someone to smile may reveal an uneven smile, numbness or drooping on one side of the face.
“A” stands for arm weakness. Numbness or weakness in one arm can be a symptom. Someone showing signs of a stroke can be asked to raise both arms to see whether one drifts down.
“S” means speech difficulty. Slurred or unclear speech, trouble talking or an inability to repeat a simple sentence may signal a stroke.
“T” stands for time to call 911. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, or with someone who is, should seek emergency medical help as soon as possible. Prompt treatment offers the best chance of survival and a full recovery.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to or within the brain is interrupted. It may be caused by a blocked artery or by a blood vessel bursting, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and potentially causing permanent disability or death.
Other symptoms include a severe headache, confusion and numbness on one side of the body.
Stroke was the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States in 2023, killing more than 162,000 people, according to the American Heart Association.
