May is Stroke Awareness Month, and Atrium Health Floyd physician Dr. Michael Gonsalves is reminding residents that recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives.

Dr. Gonsalves says stroke remains a leading cause of disability and death in the United States, but fast treatment can help reduce damage to the brain and improve outcomes.

He recommends remembering the BE FAST acronym to identify possible stroke symptoms:

Balance problems, sudden vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred or unusual speech, and a terrible sudden headache are all warning signs. If any of these symptoms appear, call 911 immediately.

Dr. Gonsalves says time is critical when treating stroke, especially when clot-busting medications or advanced stroke treatments may be needed.

He also emphasized that many strokes can be prevented. Regular checkups, managing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol can all help reduce stroke risk.

Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic physicians serve patients throughout Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama, with video visits and virtual primary care also available.