Murphy Stroke: Warning Signs

Sen. Chris Murphy suffered a stroke on Saturday, and his staff reports his prognosis is excellent.

Murphy, 53, was at his son’s hockey game when he felt numbness in his arm. His team said he sought medical care immediately. This rapid action aligns with the 'T' in the BE FAST acronym, which stands for time to call 911.

The American Stroke Association promotes the BE FAST system to help the public identify stroke symptoms early. Quick medical attention increases the chance of survival and full recovery.

The acronym breaks down into six specific signs. Balance loss includes dizziness, trouble walking, or a sudden loss of coordination. Eye changes involve blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one eye. Face drooping is detected when a person’s smile appears uneven or one side of the face feels numb.

Arm weakness is another key indicator. Murphy experienced this symptom. If a person cannot raise both arms equally or one arm drifts down, it suggests a stroke. Speech difficulty is the final letter. Slurred speech or trouble repeating a simple sentence are common warning signs.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to or within the brain is interrupted. This can happen if an artery is blocked or if a blood vessel bursts. Without oxygen, brain tissue can suffer permanent damage, leading to long-term disability or death. Other symptoms include severe headaches, confusion, and numbness on one side of the body.

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. The American Heart Association reports it killed more than 162,000 people in 2023. Murphy’s case demonstrates the utility of recognizing these signs quickly.