Neurologists highlight BEFAST method to spot stroke signs quickly

One in four people is likely to have a stroke in their lifetime, according to global data from the World Health Organisation and the World Stroke Organisation. The Global Burden of Disease estimates about 1.29 million incident strokes and 699,000 stroke-related deaths occurred in India in 2019. Dr Arun Shah, director of neurosciences at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, explains that a stroke happens when blood supply to the brain is cut off or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die within minutes without oxygen and nutrients.

Spotting Signs

Dr Sachin Adukia, senior consultant in neurology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai, notes that the FAST method helps recognise common signs: Face drooping, Arms unable to raise equally, Speech slurred, and Time to seek emergency help. However, a 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found its pooled sensitivity is around 77 percent, meaning some strokes might be missed. To catch those cases, neurologists recommend the BEFAST checklist. This expands the check to include B for Balance issues, E for Eye or vision changes, alongside the standard Face, Arm, Speech, and Time checks. Other warning signs include sudden one-sided numbness, confusion, or a severe headache.

Medical Urgency

Dr Sachin cites a 2006 paper in Stroke by neurologist Jeffrey Saver estimating that an untreated ischaemic stroke destroys about 1.9 million neurons every minute. Eligible patients may receive clot-dissolving medicines or mechanical thrombectomy based on clinical findings.

Context

Strokes are time-critical medical emergencies where fast public recognition of symptoms can prevent permanent disability or death. Medical professionals rely on simple acronyms like BEFAST to help bystanders quickly identify critical warning signs before reaching a hospital.