Stroke signs and symptoms - KRQE
May 28, 2026 — In light of American Stroke Month, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque Medical Director Dr. Aurora Auwen shared stroke warning signs and symptoms, prevention methods and stroke rehabilitation information with KRQE FOX 505.
“An American has a stroke every 40 seconds,” Auwen said. “It does not discriminate on age. A lot of people think that it is something that happens to someone older. If you are at risk, it can happen at any time.”
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke in the U.S. each year. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can save a life. Auwen suggests using the B.E. F.A.S.T. method which stands for balance loss, eye (vision) changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call 911.
“The acronym is B.E. F.A.S.T. because we want you to immediately get treatment,” Auwen said. “Call 911. Every minute matters to save brain cells since the cells are going without blood and oxygen. So, every minute counts.”
When a stroke happens, there are resources available to help a person recover. Auwen encourages listeners to talk to their physicians about stroke, visit the American Heart Association's website for resources and visit Encompass Health's online health resources.
Encompass Health Albuquerque provides essential rehabilitation services including stroke rehabilitation for the community. The hospital has earned Joint Commission's Disease-Specific Care Certification in Stroke Rehabilitation and provides several resources for patients, stroke survivors and caregivers such as education and support groups.
Inpatient rehabilitation consists of individualized therapy to rebuild strength, mobility and cognitive skills. Around two-thirds of stroke survivors receive rehabilitation and approximately 80% of stroke survivors return to their community.