Every year, thousands of people experience a stroke, yet many do not recognize the symptoms until it’s too late. Strokes can happen suddenly and without warning, turning ordinary moments into medical emergencies within minutes.
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, the perfect time for a refresher on recognizing the signs of stroke, which is critical to acting quickly in an emergency. Increased awareness can lead to faster treatment, better outcomes, and ultimately, save lives.
The acronym BEFAST can help you remember key signs of stroke:
- B is for loss of balance
- E is for eyes and loss of vision or double vision
- F is for face drooping
- A is for arm weakness
- S is for speech difficulty
- T is time to call 911
These warning signs are more than just an acronym — they can appear suddenly and change a life in an instant.
In 2018, Sharon Yaple, a UHS patient, experienced this firsthand. She recalled waking up one morning and feeling a little off. Within minutes, her body felt weak. Mrs. Yaple’s husband urged her to go to the emergency room, but she hesitated. She called a close friend who worked at a hospital to get her opinion. Recognizing something was clearly wrong, the friend urged her to seek immediate care. Mrs. Yaple and her husband rushed to UHS Wilson Medical Center. She underwent testing and the doctors confirmed that she was having an ischemic stroke.
There are two types of stroke — ischemic and hemorrhagic:
- Ischemic strokes are more common and occur when blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually by a clot
- Hemorrhagic strokes are more deadly and occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding in or around the brain
Once doctors diagnosed Mrs. Yaple’s stroke, a neuro-endovascular surgeon decided to place a carotid artery stent. This minimally invasive procedure opens a carotid artery in the neck that has become narrowed or blocked by plaque, a condition known as carotid artery disease. During the procedure, a small metal mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the artery to keep it open and improve blood flow to the brain, which helps lower the risk of future strokes.
Following the procedure, Mrs. Yaple spent two weeks in the hospital stabilizing and recovering, followed by two weeks of physical and mental rehabilitation at UHS Binghamton General Hospital.
Recovery was both physically and emotionally challenging for Mrs. Yaple.
“I didn’t want to believe I had a stroke and would have to face limitations. I was in denial. I fought acceptance of some of the therapies, especially going to a speech therapist. Therapy isn’t just physical, it’s mental,” said Mrs. Yaple.
UHS speech therapist Laura Bear, M.S.,CCC-SLP, played an important role in Mrs. Yaple’s recovery, extending far beyond helping her regain her ability and confidence to communicate. Laura also supported her through the emotional and mental challenges that often accompany stroke recovery, making a meaningful difference in Mrs. Yaple’s healing journey.
“Laura helped me just as much as any of the providers did mentally, so I could begin to accept what had happened to me,” she said.
Since her stroke, Mrs. Yaple continues to face both cognitive and physical difficulties. While some cognitive difficulties will never go away, she has learned to adapt and navigate them to the best of her ability. She uses a cane for mobility and stability and continues physical therapy to rebuild strength and balance. Mrs. Yaple’s goal is to become stronger and gradually reduce her reliance on the cane, something that keeps her motivated to continue her sessions.
Reflecting on her experience, Mrs. Yaple wishes she took better care of herself before having a stroke, with a more mindful approach to her blood pressure and eating habits. Today, she has embraced healthier life choices and remains committed to maintaining them.
“If I reverted back to the way I was living before my stroke, the potential of having another stroke would increase, so my mindset of a healthier lifestyle can’t go away,” Mrs. Yaple shared.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some risk factors for stroke include:
- Previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Excess weight
- Smoking
- Family history
Mrs. Yaple also emphasized the exceptional care she received close to home. “They saved my life by their responsive decision-making and quick surgical intervention. UHS providers are of the highest quality,” said Mrs. Yaple. “People think they need to go elsewhere, but they do not.”
Today, Mrs. Yaple continues to heal and adapt. Her life looks different than it did before the stroke, but it’s filled with a deeper appreciation for health, time, and the importance of listening to your body. Most importantly, her experience has sparked a commitment to raising awareness so others might recognize the signs sooner and act faster. Mrs. Yaple‘s hesitation to go to the hospital could have led to a worse outcome; thankfully, she sought care just in time. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking immediate care can save lives and reduce long‑term effects.
UHS ranks as one of the top neurosurgical centers in New York State and continues to strengthen and expand its neurosciences services to meet the evolving needs of patients across the region. Through ongoing investments in advanced technology and innovative treatments, UHS remains committed to advancing care for neurological conditions and improving patient outcomes.
For more information about stroke or the designated stroke center at UHS Wilson Medical Center, visit nyuhs.org.