May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to learn the signs of stroke, understand personal risk factors, and share life-saving information with the people we love.

A stroke can happen suddenly. When it does, fast action matters. According to the American Stroke Association, every minute counts during a stroke, and early recognition can help people get emergency care as quickly as possible. The CDC also emphasizes that stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and should be treated as a medical emergency.

For families across the High Desert and Inland Empire, awareness starts with simple, memorable steps: know the warning signs, call 911 right away, and follow up with your healthcare team for ongoing care.

Important: If you think you or someone near you may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself or wait for symptoms to improve.

What Is a Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, brain cells can be damaged very quickly. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes stroke as a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

There are two main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blockage in a blood vessel that supplies the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

Some people may also experience a TIA, or transient ischemic attack, often called a “mini-stroke.” TIA symptoms may go away quickly, but they should never be ignored. A TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke may happen in the future.

Remember BE FAST: The Warning Signs of Stroke

One of the easiest ways to remember stroke symptoms is BE FAST:

B — Balance

Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking.

E — Eyes

Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

F — Face

One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile. Does one side look uneven?

A — Arms

One arm feels weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S — Speech

Speech may be slurred, confused, or hard to understand.

T — Time to Call 911

Call 911 immediately. Write down the time symptoms started, if you know it. This information can help emergency teams make treatment decisions.

The CDC lists sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, trouble seeing, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe headache as key warning signs of stroke.

Why Acting Fast Can Save Lives

Stroke care is time-sensitive. Some treatments work best when they are given soon after symptoms begin. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that certain stroke treatments may only be available within a limited window after symptoms start.

That is why it is so important to call 911 instead of waiting, resting, or trying to “sleep it off.” Even if symptoms come and go, emergency evaluation is still needed.

In a stroke emergency, imaging is often used in the hospital setting to help doctors see what is happening in the brain. Tests such as CT, MRI, and angiography may help emergency teams identify bleeding, blockage, or narrowed blood vessels. RadiologyInfo.org explains that imaging can play an important role in stroke diagnosis and treatment planning.

Stroke Risk Factors to Know

Anyone can have a stroke, but some health conditions and lifestyle factors can increase risk. Common risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Heart disease
• Atrial fibrillation, also called AFib
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of stroke
• Previous stroke or TIA

The CDC identifies high blood pressure as a leading cause of stroke and encourages regular blood pressure checks.

The good news is that many stroke risk factors can be managed with support from your healthcare provider. Regular checkups, medication when prescribed, movement, balanced nutrition, and not smoking can all support better heart and brain health.

How Imaging Supports Stroke Care and Follow-Up

At Sol Radiology, we want patients to understand the role imaging can play in their health journey.

In an active stroke emergency, patients should go to the emergency department by calling 911. Hospital teams use urgent imaging to guide immediate care.

After the emergency phase, your doctor may recommend follow-up imaging or related exams to better understand your overall health. Depending on your needs, this may include Ultrasound, Vascular Ultrasound, X-ray, or other imaging services. These exams can help referring providers evaluate blood flow, monitor certain conditions, or investigate related symptoms.

Sol Radiology is locally owned and operated by radiologists, meaning our imaging centers are guided by physicians who specialize in reading and interpreting medical images. Our team is proud to support patients and Referring Providers throughout the High Desert and Inland Empire with compassionate care, advanced imaging technology, and timely results.

What You Can Do During Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke awareness is something we can all share. This month, consider taking a few simple steps:

• Teach your family the BE FAST signs.
• Save emergency contacts in your phone.
• Ask your healthcare provider about your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk.
• Encourage loved ones to keep regular appointments.
• Share trusted resources from the American Stroke Association or the CDC.
• Talk with your provider about any symptoms that concern you.

Small conversations can make a big difference. In close-knit communities like ours, awareness spreads through families, workplaces, churches, schools, and neighborhood groups.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 right away if you notice sudden:

• Face drooping
• Arm or leg weakness, especially on one side
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Vision changes
• Dizziness, balance problems, or trouble walking
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Confusion or unusual behavior

Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve. Do not drive yourself. Emergency medical teams can begin care quickly and take you to the right facility.

Sol Radiology Is Here for Our Community

At Sol Radiology, we believe patient education is part of patient care. Stroke Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing the signs, acting quickly, and staying connected with your healthcare team can help protect the people we care about most.

As a locally owned, radiologist-led imaging practice, Sol Radiology is proud to serve the High Desert and Inland Empire with patient-centered imaging, reliable turnaround times, and a commitment to collaborative care.

To learn more about our imaging services, visit our Patients page, explore our Locations, or Contact our team.

FAQs

What month is Stroke Awareness Month?

Stroke Awareness Month is observed in May. It is a time to raise awareness about stroke warning signs, prevention, emergency response, and recovery support.

What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?

Call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. Note the time symptoms started, if possible, and stay with the person until emergency help arrives.

Can stroke symptoms come and go?

Yes. Symptoms that come and go may be a sign of a TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke. A TIA still requires emergency medical attention because it can be a warning sign of future stroke risk.

Does Sol Radiology’s outpatient centers treat stroke emergencies?

No. A suspected stroke is a medical emergency and should be handled by calling 911. Sol Radiology supports patients and referring providers with outpatient imaging services, including follow-up imaging when ordered by a healthcare provider.

What imaging is used for stroke?

In emergency settings, doctors may use CT, MRI, or angiography to evaluate the brain and blood vessels. The right exam depends on the patient’s symptoms, timing, and medical needs.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you think you or someone else may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately.