Stroke Awareness Month - Learn to Recognize the Signs

a blue and red illustration of a brain in the middle of stroke
a blue and red illustration of a brain in the middle of stroke

May is Stroke Awareness Month.

Two million brain cells die every minute during a stroke, increasing your risk of permanent brain damage, disability, or death. Recognizing the warning signs quickly can make all the difference. Learn how to identify stroke symptoms and explore diagnosis, treatment, and recovery options with the experts at Baystate Health.

BEFAST - Recognizing a Stroke

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Stroke Awareness Articles

Can Sleep Disturbances Cause Increased Stroke Risk
Health Article

Sleep Disturbances and Stroke Risk
What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke in Women
Health Article

What are the Warning Signs of a Stroke in Women?
Mini stroke major warning
Health Article

Why a Mini Stroke Can Be a Major Warning Sign
Stroke Recovery-Arm Exercises for Stroke Patients
Health Article

Arm Exercises for Stroke Recovery: At-Home Rehab for Strength and Mobility
Silent Stroke - Can You Have a Stroke and Not Know It
Health Article

Silent Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, and Why it Matters
an ambulance rushing a stroke patient to the hospital for immediate care
Health Article

Every Second Counts: Get Emergency Treatment for Stroke Symptoms
a neurologist caring for a stroke patient in recovery
Health Article

Stroke Treatment Advances: Improving Recovery Outcomes
a stroke patient arriving at the emergency room after calling 911
Health Article

BEFAST: How to Identify Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs
Doctor Debunks 6 Common Stroke Myths
Health Article

Bust That Myth! Here's 8 Common Myths About Strokes
The WATCHMAN Device and Procedure to Reduce Stroke Risk
Health Article

The WATCHMAN Device and Procedure to Reduce Stroke Risk
chrissy humason baystate health stroke educator

Team Member Spotlight: Christine Humason, BS, RN/EMT-P Nursing Supervisor

As the Stroke Program Coordinator at Baystate Noble Hospital (BNH), Christine (Chrissy) has led a groundbreaking, grant-funded community stroke education initiative across Hampden and Hampshire Counties—targeting rural areas where access to resources is limited and the need for public health education is high.

Learn More About Chrissy and Her Work

Stroke Awareness Webinar Recordings

disturbances in sleep and stroke risk event presented by dr. karin johnson

Wake Up Call: How Sleep Apnea Impacts Stroke Risk

Join Karin Johnson, MD, as she explores the vital connection between sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances and stroke. Gain practical strategies to improve sleep quality to lower your stroke risk and boost overall brain health.

a look inside neurocritical care event presented by dr. benjamin barnes

Emergency in the Brain: A Look Inside Neurocritical Care

Join Benjamin Barnes, MD, for a presentation on neurocritical care—what it is, how it differs from general ICU care, and when it’s used for stroke and other life-threatening neurologic conditions. Learn how our specialized teams use acute stroke interventions to improve long-term outcomes for patients

Time Lost is Brain Lost: The Urgency of Stroke Awareness Webinar

Discover why recognizing stroke as an emergency is crucial. Varun Naragum, MD, Neurologist, explains the warning signs and symptoms to watch for and learn how immediate medical intervention can make the difference between life and death.

The Road to Recovery: Advances in Stroke Treatment

Signs of a Mini Stroke in Women

Although men are more likely to have a stroke, women have a higher lifetime risk for stroke. Mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), have symptoms that could be missed. Heydi Flores Podadera, MD, Baystate Neurology, discusses mini-stroke symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Stress, Lifestyle, and Silent Stroke

Most of us feel stress at some level in our lives. Can stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices cause a stroke or even a silent stroke? Rajiv Padmanabhan, MD, Baystate Neurology, discusses stress, the impact of lifestyle, and what you need to know about silent strokes, a stroke that doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms.

Stroke Rehab at Home: Hand Therapy Exercises

Motor impairment of the hand is common after a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation and exercises to regain or build strength is part of the recovery process. Michelle Lantaigne, OT, Baystate Rehabilitation Care, discusses the role of occupational therapy in stroke recovery, and demonstrates helpful hand exercises to do at home.

Stroke survivor Linda Newland regaining movement after emergency treatment
I'm forever grateful to all involved in my recovery. Every day is a gift from that devoted crew.
Linda Newland, stroke survivor
Read Linda's Story
Learn More About Our Treatment and Support Services
Our stroke program focuses on optimizing outcomes and providing quality medical treatment.
Learn More

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