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DENVER — Bethany Gaul thought she was too young to be at risk for having a stroke at age 32, but she wasn’t.

Bethany experienced disorientation, got lost inside the building where she has worked for years and dented her car several times trying to get into a parking space.  She said she was “ just kind of confused.”

Bethany got to the University of Colorado Hospital Emergency Room right away where a  scan revealed that she had a stroke.

She said women should listen to their bodies and never ignore anything that seems strange. “The disorientation, the weakness in your hands, pay attention to those things.”

Dr. Pearce Korb of the University Of Colorado Hospital said stroke patients can be treated successfully if they get to the ER within 4-and-a-half hours.

He also said that certain health conditions can increase your chances of developing a stroke like high blood pressure, diabetes and an irregular heartbeat.  There is more concern when it comes to women.

“There are some risks unique to women like pregnancy, eclampsia and the use of certain oral contraceptives,” Dr. Korb said.

An easy way to remember the symptoms of stroke is to think of the acronym FAST. It stands for the following:

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Time to call 9-1-1

Get more information about the signs of stroke here