Essentia Explains Stroke Warning Signs

The hospital uses the acronym "be fast" to help detect a stroke

May 13, 2019

FARGO, N.D.– Essentia Hospital, a Comprehensive Stroke Center, uses in-house alarms and personal pages to alert doctors as soon as a stroke patient arrives.

The hospital uses the acronym “be fast,” which stands for balance, eyes, facial droop, arm weakness, speech, and time.

This acronym helps to detect a stroke.

An Essentia doctor says the warning signs do not differ between men and women.

According to an Essentia Neurologist, strokes used to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

Strokes are now number five.

“We are in the best place, especially as a provider and as a hospital system and a society,” Essentia Interventional Neurologist Dr. Venkata Dandamudi said. “We’re able to provide best care for our stroke patients because of the technology that we have today.”

Essentia Health is hosting its 6th Annual Stroke Awareness Luncheon this Wednesday.