Cedar City Doctor Gives Tips During Stroke Awareness Month

May is Stroke Awareness Month, and according to Dr. Tanner Miles, an emergency medicine physician at Cedar City Hospital, recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly can make the difference between recovery and lifelong disability—or worse.

Speaking on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB Radio, Dr. Miles emphasized that strokes are a medical emergency, but they are also highly treatable if caught early. “Most stroke cases can be prevented or treated when caught in time,” he said.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Ischemic strokes account for roughly 85% of all cases.

If You Notice Stroke Symptoms, Be Fast

To help people recognize the symptoms, Dr. Miles shared the acronym BE FAST:

B for balance issues,

E for eye or vision problems,

F for facial drooping,

A for arm weakness,

S for slurred or garbled speech, and

T for time—because immediate action is crucial.

“If you notice any of those symptoms, call 911 or get to the hospital immediately,” Dr. Miles advised. “Timeliness in getting evaluated is key.”

At Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, stroke response is swift. “If stroke is suspected, we often skip the exam room and go straight to the CT scanner,” said Dr. Miles. “We also check blood sugar immediately because low glucose can mimic stroke symptoms.”

Dr. Miles noted that risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor diet all contribute to stroke risk. He encourages annual physicals and bloodwork to catch silent conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol before they lead to a stroke.

Read More: Cedar City Hospital Expanding Emergency Room

While some stroke patients walk away with little or no lasting effects, outcomes vary. New treatments, including clot-busting drugs and endovascular procedures, can help—but carry risks and must be administered within specific timeframes. “The earlier we start treatment, the better the chance for recovery,” said Dr. Miles.

For more information about stroke symptoms, prevention, and treatment, Dr. Miles recommended trusted resources such as Intermountain Healthcare, the CDC, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic websites.

You can listen to our entire visit with Dr. Miles in the podcast below.