Each year, more than 795,000 Americans suffer a stroke. That's one stroke every 40 seconds. And with more than 140,000 deaths per year, strokes are our nation’s fifth-leading cause of death.

Many warning signs indicate you may be suffering a possible stroke. Depending on the function of the part of the brain that is under attack, the person suffering the stroke suddenly may become paralyzed, blind or unable to speak. If you experience any of the major stroke warning signs listed below, call 911. It is important to get to a hospital immediately. 

Use the BE FAST method to remember the warning signs of a stroke. 

• B = Balance, sudden loss of balance or coordination
• E = Eyes, Loss of vision in one or both eyes
• F = Facial droop or uneven smile
• A = Arm numbness or weakness
• S = Slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding
• T = Time, Call 911 and get to the hospital immediately

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency. Strokes happen when blood flow to your brain stops. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. There are two kinds of stroke. The more common kind, called ischemic stroke, is caused by a blood clot that blocks or plugs a blood vessel in the brain. The other kind, called hemorrhagic stroke, is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. "Mini-strokes," or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted.

Ohio State's Comprehensive Stroke Center

The Comprehensive Stroke Center at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center treats the most complex strokes and cerebrovascular diseases, with physicians, scientists, nurses and therapists collaborating to advance the science and success of stroke treatments, both at Ohio State and at our partner hospitals across Ohio.

We are one of only nine Ohio hospitals that have achieved the elite status of Comprehensive Stroke Center from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, and are one of the first stroke centers across the United States to have received this recognition. This means Ohio State can deliver emergent surgical and endovascular treatment for strokes any hour of the day, any day of the year.