Stroke Awareness Month: ‘Be Fast’ and Trust the Experts When Seconds Count

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and RWJBarnabas Health is joining us with a few reminders on identifying a potential stroke.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply is cut off from part of the brain, either due to a blockage or bleeding in the brain. Every second that blood flow is restricted could cause permanent brain damage. Time is brain when you suspect a stroke.

Just remember BE FAST:

• B - Balance – Sudden loss of balance or sudden onset of dizziness
• E - Eyes – Sudden change in vision in one or both eyes
• F- Face – Sudden numbness or drooping on one side of the face
• A - Arms – Sudden numbness or weakness in the arms
• S - Speech – Sudden difficulty speaking or slurring
• T- Terrible Headache - Sudden terrible or "thunderclap" headache with no known cause

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Don't wait to see if symptoms improve, and NEVER drive yourself to an emergency room.

Emergency responders can provide the fastest way to receive appropriate care. With the largest network of stroke care in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health system is ready to provide the best chance for a complete recovery from a stroke.

RWJBarnabas Health has two hospitals with Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center certifications from The Joint Commission, indicating that they provide the highest level of care for patients with complex strokes, including dedicated stroke units and neurocritical care. Additionally, they have 10 state-designated Primary Stroke Centers covering communities from Hudson to Ocean County.

RWJBarnabas Health Comprehensive Stroke Centers are located at:

• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick
• Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston

Primary stroke centers are located at:

• Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville
• Community Medical Center in Toms River
• Jersey City Medical Center
• Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch
• Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood
• Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
• Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, Rahway and Somerville
• Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth

Click here to learn more about stroke warning signs and treatment. Click here to learn more about the Leapfrog Group's Hospital Safety Grades.