Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 3.5 minutes, someone dies from one. These sobering statistics place stroke among the leading causes of death and long-term disability in America. Yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 80 percent of strokes are preventable. National Stroke Awareness Month, observed every May, exists to close the gap between those statistics and the public’s understanding of what strokes are, what causes them, and how early detection can make all the difference.
Understanding Stroke: A Medical Emergency With a Narrow Window
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke, accounting for about 87% of all strokes) or by a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they begin to die within minutes. This is why the phrase “time is brain” has become a cornerstone of stroke medicine — every minute without treatment can mean the loss of nearly two million neurons.
The acronym BE-FAST helps people recognize the warning signs of stroke quickly:
B — Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
E — Eyes: sudden vision changes or trouble seeing
F — Face: facial drooping, especially on one side
A — Arms: arm weakness or numbness
S — Speech: slurred or strange speech
T — Time: call 911 immediately
Risk Factors You Can Control
While some stroke risk factors — such as age, family history, and race — cannot be changed, many of the most significant ones can be managed or eliminated. High blood pressure remains the single greatest modifiable risk factor for stroke. Other controllable risks include high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) significantly raises stroke risk as well, as does the presence of carotid artery disease — a narrowing of the arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain.
This is where preventive screening becomes a powerful tool in the fight against stroke.
Early Detection With Ultrasound Carotid Screening From RAVE Imaging
One of the most effective — and underutilized — tools for stroke prevention is the carotid artery ultrasound screening. RAVE Imaging offers this non-invasive, painless scan to help individuals and their physicians detect early warning signs of stroke before a crisis occurs.
The carotid arteries run along both sides of the neck and are the primary blood supply to the brain. Over time, plaque — made up of fat, cholesterol, and calcium — can build up along arterial walls, a condition known as carotid artery stenosis. This narrowing restricts blood flow and significantly increases the likelihood of a clot breaking off and traveling to the brain, causing a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini-stroke.”
RAVE Imaging’s Ultrasound Carotid Screening uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the carotid arteries, revealing the presence of plaque buildup and the degree of arterial narrowing — often long before symptoms appear. The procedure is quick, radiation-free, and requires no contrast dye or preparation. Results are reviewed by board-certified radiologists, and findings are shared promptly with the patient and their healthcare provider.
This type of proactive screening is particularly recommended for adults over 50, those with a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of stroke or heart disease. Detecting carotid stenosis early allows patients and their doctors to take meaningful action — through lifestyle changes, medication, or in some cases, surgical intervention — before a stroke has the chance to occur.
This May, Take Action for Your Brain Health
National Stroke Awareness Month is more than a campaign — it is an invitation to act. Stroke does not discriminate by age, gender, or background, but knowledge and prevention can level the playing field. Scheduling a carotid artery ultrasound screening with RAVE Imaging is a concrete, accessible step that could reveal hidden risks and, ultimately, save your life or the life of someone you love.
Talk to your doctor about whether a carotid ultrasound screening is right for you, or contact RAVE Imaging directly to schedule your appointment. Because when it comes to stroke, the best time to find out about your risk is before it becomes an emergency.
RAVE is Happy to Announce Our
MAY Community Health Self-Pay Special – Ultrasound Carotid
Screening self-pay: $245.00
Carotid Ultrasound is a quick, non-invasive test that checks the arteries in your neck for blockages or narrowing, which could increase your stroke risk. Early detection allows you to address potential issues before they become serious. Stay proactive about your health and reduce your risk of stroke with a Carotid Ultrasound today at Rave.
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