At Brain Rehab Network, we honor Stroke Awareness Month each May by raising awareness of stroke prevention, warning signs, and the importance of timely, specialized rehabilitation. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability, affecting millions of lives each year. It’s a traumatic, life-altering event, and recovery is never one-size-fits-all. Each survivor’s journey is unique, with challenges ranging from physical and cognitive to emotional and behavioral.
At BRN, we understand the full scope of stroke’s impact and are here to support survivors and families every step of the way through comprehensive, interdisciplinary rehabilitation—because every second and every service counts. Learn how to help a stroke victim, watch for the warning signs, and prevent strokes for yourself and your loved ones in this article.
A stroke occurs when something blocks the blood supply to the brain, or a blood vessel within the brain bursts. They are often called brain attacks, and they can occur in anyone, at any age. If a stroke occurs, they can lead to lasting brain damage, disability, or even death.
There are two main types of stroke:
Recognizing a stroke quickly and acting fast is critical to limiting long-term damage.
Every minute matters. According to the Brain Injury Association of America and the American Stroke Association, recognizing symptoms and seeking emergency help immediately can mean the difference between full recovery and lifelong disability.
We recommend the BEFAST method:
Additional symptoms may include confusion, numbness on one side, trouble walking, or a severe headache with no known cause. Women may experience more subtle signs such as nausea, fatigue, or general weakness.
While anyone is at risk of having a stroke at any age, there are certain risk factors that can increase your chances. Your lifestyle choices, health factors, and genes all play a factor in your risk for stroke. Smoking, excessive drinking, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that you can change. People with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol levels, and certain blood and artery diseases all have an effect on your risk. Things out of your control include your age, gender, and hereditary can predispose you to a higher stroke risk.
After experiencing a TIA, 10%–20% of people will have a stroke within 90 days, and up to 40% of those strokes occur within the first 24–48 hours. That’s why rapid follow-up and preventive care are critical.
Recovery doesn't end when you leave the hospital. Research shows that stroke survivors who receive comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation, like what we offer at BRN, including physical, occupational, cognitive, and speech-language therapy, are more likely to:
By contrast, individuals who do not receive coordinated outpatient rehab are at higher risk for long-term disability, depression, social isolation, and rehospitalization. Studies show that comprehensive rehab improves functional outcomes, particularly when started early and tailored to the survivor’s unique goals.
Long-term care facilities, where many stroke survivors transition to during recovery, are not immune to risks. Medication errors occur in 16% to 27% of all medication administrations in these settings. While most are minor, 1%–2% lead to serious harm, including hospitalization or worsening of neurological function.
At Brain Rehab Network, we work closely with clinical partners and people to boost safety and reduce risks through training, education, and error prevention protocols.
Stroke awareness is important for everyone! Whether you are at high risk or supporting a loved one, it is important to spot the signs so you can act fast to save a life. Here at Brain Rehab Network, we strive to educate that brain injuries do not discriminate and can change you or your loved one's life in an instant. If you or a loved one has experienced a stroke and need support with recovery or rehabilitation, contact Brain Rehab Network today. We’re committed to providing the highest quality, person-centered care to help survivors rebuild their lives.
We invite you to raise awareness, celebrate survivors, and fund lifesaving research by joining us at the American Heart Association’s Heart & Stroke Walks this spring:
Support the cause and walk with Brain Rehab Network!
Click here to donate or sign up: https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?_id=11403&pg=personal&px=26741949
Heart health is brain health! And every step we take helps fight stroke, protect hearts, and supports recovery. Your participation can help save lives, one step at a time.
