Carolyn Brockington, MD, a board-certified vascular neurologist and Director of the Stroke Center at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s and Mount Sinai Roosevelt, is actively involved in educating the public about all aspects of stroke-—from its symptoms to its prevention and treatment.

“Most people do not realize anyone can have a stroke at any age, but the good news is many strokes can be prevented,” Dr. Brockington says. “The key lies in identifying and successfully controlling the risk factors with lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and possibly medication.”

Last year, in conjunction with the American Stroke Association (ASA), Dr. Brockington created an award-winning campaign to increase stroke awareness and highlight prevention strategies, particularly in young adults. One of the patients featured in the campaign was Claudia Mason, a young, active supermodel, author, and actress with no stroke risk factors, who developed a stroke shortly after participating in a dance class in which she sustained an injury to one of the arteries in the neck supplying the brain.

Although Ms. Mason’s vision was suddenly disrupted and she experienced a severe headache, she did not seek immediate medical attention because she did not suspect a stroke. When her symptoms persisted, she went to the emergency room at Mount Sinai Roosevelt and was diagnosed with a stroke. After being treated with a blood thinner for several months, she was able to return to work and her busy life.

Despite delaying treatment, Ms. Mason was able to recover from her stroke, but the key to improving the chances of a good outcome is to start treatment as soon as possible after the symptoms develop.

“People need to learn about stroke symptoms and the importance of getting to an emergency room right away,” Ms. Mason says.

The public awareness campaign in which Ms. Mason is featured promotes the acronym B.E. F.A.S.T. as an easy way to remember the most common stroke symptoms and the importance of rapid treatment:

• Balance — Is there sudden loss of balance or coordination?
• Eyes — Are there sudden visual changes, like double vision or loss of vision?
• Face — Does one side of the face droop when asked to smile?
• Arm — Does one arm drift downward when asked to raise both arms?
• Speech — Are the words slurred? Is the speech confused?
• Time — Time is Brain; call 9-1-1 immediately.