• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • Resource Centers
    • Clinical Trials Resource Center
    • Wellness on the Yard
    • Cancer Resource Center
    • Covid Resource Center
  • Find A Doctor
  • BDO TV
Home / Health Conditions / Stroke / Spot Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke F.A.S.T.

Spot Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke F.A.S.T.

stroke symptoms

In the United States, the fatality (death) rate associated with having a stroke has decreased over the past few decades. Effective treatments can help prevent stroke-related disability. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. A stroke is a medical condition that results from a lack of proper blood flow to part of the brain. When the blood supply is interrupted, so too is the delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Brain cells have a high demand for oxygen and cannot live long without an adequate supply; they die without minutes. 

Stroke and Black Americans

Stroke rates are higher in Black Americans than in any other racial group. It is more likely for blacks with diabetes to suffer an ischemic stroke–which is caused by a blood clot often in the carotid artery (in the neck) obstructing the blood flow to the brain. Black stroke survivors are more likely to be physically disabled after a stroke and suffer with difficulty performing daily tasks.

According to studies, Blacks are more likely to consider symptoms of a stroke a medical emergency and call 911 when they or someone they love is suffering from stroke symptoms. 

Symptoms of An Untreated Stroke

It is common for stroke victims to experience some type of disability or deficit after their stroke. The physical and emotional impact of a stroke depends on many factors, such as what part of the brain is affected. Some people experience trouble speaking (aphasia) after a stroke, others have paralysis on one side of the body. Recovery from the after-effects of a stroke is often a long process and sometimes, a full recovery is not possible. Most individuals can, however, resume normal lives after receiving proper treatment. Examples of stroke complications may include:

You May Also Like
View Our Resources To Better Understand How Clinical Trials May Help Advance Research
  • Hemi-paralysis (being paralyzed on one side of the body)
  • Dysphasia (difficulty talking or swallowing)
  • Trouble with normal balance 
  • Loss of memory
  • Behavioral changes
  • Emotional changes
  • Chronic (long-term) fatigue

RELATED: Stroke Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Why it’s Important to Identify Stroke Symptoms Quickly

A stroke that is left untreated for too long can cause even greater brain damage and disability. Although the stroke has ended, brain damage has not stopped. An ischemic stroke lasts as long as ten hours. The damage to your brain grows with every second that you wait for treatment. Untreated strokes can cause the brain to age up to 36 years if they go untreated for the full duration (i.e., 10 hours) of the cardiovascular event. In fact, up to one million brain cells are lost each minute you wait to seek treatment after symptoms of a stroke.

The nature of stroke makes it difficult, if not impossible, for most patients to seek help for themselves. Bystanders have a tremendous responsibility, whether they are friends, family members, coworkers, or random strangers. Stroke victims’ first responders are responsible for

Continue Reading

The Latest In Stroke

signs of a stroke

Act “FAST”: Recognize the Signs of a Stroke

In a moment of confusion, panic, and fear, it can be hard to assess what is happening during a medical emergency. A stroke is one of those emergencies that need immediate attention, so it’s important to recognize the signs.  To read more about Act “FAST”: Recognize the Signs of a Stroke
headache symptoms

10 Headache Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

It’s estimated that about 45 million Americans complain about headaches yearly. However, only approximately 8 million of them will feel bad enough to see a doctor. A headache doesn’t always need a doctor’s attention but there are definitely some times read more about 10 Headache Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
life after stroke

Life After Stroke: 5 Self-Care Tips

Recovering from a stroke can be a challenging journey. Requiring physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments, the path is far from linear. While the journey may seem daunting, there are quite a few self-care strategies that can empower stroke survivors to read more about Life After Stroke: 5 Self-Care Tips
stroke

The Brain Isn’t the Only Place Strokes Occur. 4 Symptoms to Pay Attention to

Sudden, painless loss of vision. Burning back pain. Achy legs. Incontinence. People might not recognize these as signs of a stroke, because some are not the symptoms of a stroke in the brain, where most strokes occur. But strokes can read more about The Brain Isn’t the Only Place Strokes Occur. 4 Symptoms to Pay Attention to
foods for heart health

5 Foods to Boost Your Heart Health

Keeping your heart healthy has numerous benefits, including a reduced risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, heart attack and even dementia. Eating healthy foods is one big step you can take to protect your heart, but most folks wait too long to change what read more about 5 Foods to Boost Your Heart Health
Toni Braxton

Toni Braxton Undergoes Surgery: “My Main Coronary Artery Was 80% Blocked”

Toni Braxton is opening up about a "traumatic" and life-threatening health scare that occurred as a result of her living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus. The "Un-Break My Heart" singer, who has been open in read more about Toni Braxton Undergoes Surgery: “My Main Coronary Artery Was 80% Blocked”

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • Lionel Richie Shares His Top 3 ‘Anti-Aging Secrets’Lionel Richie Shares His Top 3 ‘Anti-Aging Secrets’
  • Angela Bassett 7-Year Journey to Parenthood: Enjoy the JourneyAngela Bassett 7-Year Journey to Parenthood: Enjoy the Journey
  • ‘COVID Toes’ Might Be a Sign You Had the Disease'COVID Toes' Might Be a Sign You Had the Disease
  • YouTuber and Relationship ‘Expert’ Kevin Samuels Cause of Death RevealedYouTuber and Relationship 'Expert' Kevin Samuels Cause of Death Revealed
  • Football Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes AmputatedFootball Legend & Coach Deion Sanders Has Toes Amputated

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2023, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.