Stroke Awareness Event Highlights How to Stop Stroke Before It Starts, Recognize Symptoms and Respond Quickly When Stroke Occurs

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, yet knowing the warning signs and seeking treatment quickly can improve outcomes. To help the community learn more about how strokes can be prevented, identified, diagnosed and treated, Montefiore Einstein hosted a family-friendly educational event, Stop Stroke Before It Starts, as part of Stroke Awareness Month. 

Community members joined the Comprehensive Stroke Center at Montefiore Einstein in the East Garden of the Moses Campus, where they saw an interactive, inflatable brain and received free blood pressure screenings. Educational materials provided information on stroke risk factors, treatments and rehabilitation services available at Montefiore Einstein. Giveaways and healthy snacks also were available.

David J. Altschul, MD, Director, Neurovascular Surgery, Co-Director, Comprehensive Stroke Center, Montefiore Einstein, and Assistant Professor, The Leo M. Davidoff Department of Neurological Surgery, Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said, “While a stroke can occur at any time to anyone, there are ways you can reduce your risk of having a stroke, starting today.”

Dr. Altschul, along with other Montefiore Einstein stroke specialists, suggest incorporating lifestyle changes of diet, exercise and medication that focuses on treating atrial fibrillation, lowering your cholesterol, managing your diabetes, controlling your high blood pressure, ceasing smoking and getting a screening for carotid artery disease—all of which are stroke risk factors.

And when it comes to stroke, remember to B.E. F.A.S.T. in getting medical treatment if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or walking differently
• Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes without pain
• Face: One side of the face drooping or becoming numb, or an uneven smile
• Arm: One arm is weak or numb, or drifts downward when the person raises both arms
• Speech: Slurred or garbled speech, or the inability to talk
• Time: Call 911 immediately

Since 2018, the Moses Campus has been designated an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest-level certification awarded by The Joint Commission, in recognition of the superior, lifesaving care that Montefiore Einstein provides to its patients before, during and after a stroke.