Senator Murphy's Stroke Highlights Warning Signs Experts Say Save Lives
The American Stroke Association urges the public to recognize six specific symptoms, urging immediate medical attention to prevent permanent brain damage.
By Jisoo Vega ·
Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., suffered a stroke on Saturday, and his office announced that his prognosis is excellent. The 53-year-old senator felt numbness in his arm while attending his son's hockey game, a symptom identified as arm weakness in the BE FAST acronym used by the American Stroke Association.
Medical professionals emphasize that acting quickly is critical for survival and full recovery. Murphy's staff said they sought care immediately after he experienced the numbness. This rapid response aligns with the final letter of the BE FAST acronym, which stands for time to call 911.
The American Stroke Association recommends using the six letters of BE FAST to spot warning signs. Balance loss is the first indicator. This includes dizziness, trouble walking, or a sudden loss of balance. Eye changes are the second sign. These can appear as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one eye.
The third sign is face drooping. If a person smiles unevenly or has numbness or drooping on one side of the face, it may indicate a stroke. The fourth sign is arm weakness. Numbness or weakness in one arm, which Murphy experienced, requires checking if one arm drifts down when both are raised.
The fifth sign is speech difficulty. Slurred speech, trouble repeating a simple sentence, or hard-to-understand words are common symptoms. If any of these signs appear, the association advises calling 911 as soon as possible. Getting care quickly minimizes long-term effects.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to or within the brain is interrupted. This can happen if an artery is blocked or if a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain tissue deprived of oxygen can suffer permanent damage, leading to long-term disability or death. Other symptoms include severe headache, confusion, and numbness on one side of the body.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association reports that more than 162,000 people died from strokes in 2023.
Source: WUNC
