CHRISTUS Health is recognizing National Stroke Awareness Month this May by encouraging the community to learn the warning signs of a stroke and understand the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. The agency estimates someone in the United States experiences a stroke every 40 seconds, while a stroke-related death occurs approximately every three minutes.
“Every second matters when it comes to a stroke,” said Dr. Ryan Morton, a neurosurgeon with CHRISTUS Health. “This is why being able to recognize the signs early and calling 911 immediately allows patients to receive treatment faster, which can improve their outcomes and recovery significantly.”
Medical experts say strokes happen either when blood flow to the brain becomes blocked or when sudden bleeding occurs in the brain. An ischemic stroke, the most common type, happens when a blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain, causing brain cells to die within minutes. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when bleeding in the brain places pressure on surrounding brain tissue, leading to damage.
Amanda Vargas experienced the frightening reality of a stroke while awaiting a gallbladder procedure at CHRISTUS Health’s Alamo Heights hospital. According to CHRISTUS Health, Vargas suddenly began showing symptoms affecting the left side of her body and had difficulty speaking. Her medical team quickly responded, performing assessments and imaging before transferring her to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital – Westover Hills for emergency treatment.
“I had a thrombectomy surgery,” Vargas said. “They guided a wire through my groin area that went up into my brain to remove plaque and basically take out the clot that was on the right side of my brain. That surgery was done in less than an hour after being transported.”
CHRISTUS Health says it has continued investing in neurological care services on San Antonio’s west side through expanded technology, specialized care teams, and dedicated treatment spaces aimed at improving stroke diagnosis and response times.
Doctors recommend using the acronym “BE FAST” to recognize stroke symptoms quickly:
- B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E – Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision
- F – Face: One side of the face drooping when smiling
- A – Arm: One arm drifting downward when raised
- S – Speech: Slurred or unusual speech
- T – Time: Call 911 immediately if symptoms appear
Health officials also warn that stroke survivors remain at elevated risk for additional strokes, with nearly 200,000 strokes each year occurring in people who have previously experienced one.
Morton said high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes are among the leading stroke risk factors.
“Recovery from a stroke can look different for each patient,” Morton said. “While some people recover fully, others may face long-term challenges or even death. It is extremely important to manage your health, address risk factors and take preventative measures to greatly reduce your risk and ultimately save your life.”
Vargas said she remains thankful for the care she received and hopes others understand how critical rapid treatment can be.
“Everybody was very supportive and did everything that needed to be done, as quickly as possible for me,” she said. “A fast response time could make a difference. I feel very blessed that I was not severely affected by my stroke.”
More information about stroke care and prevention can be found through CHRISTUS Health.