FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona

Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona Marks Stroke Awareness Month by Highlighting Stroke as a Brain Injury

PHOENIX, Ariz. — During Stroke Awareness Month this May, the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona is encouraging Arizonans to recognize stroke as not only a medical emergency, but also one of the leading causes of acquired brain injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 800,000 people in the United States experience a stroke each year, and stroke remains a leading cause of serious long-term disability.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and causing brain cells to die within minutes. Survivors may experience long-term effects including memory problems, speech difficulties, fatigue, vision changes, emotional regulation challenges, and loss of independence.

“Many people do not realize that stroke is a form of brain injury,” said Carrie Collins-Fadell, CEO of BIAAZ. “Recovery often continues long after a hospital stay and may involve specialized rehabilitation and community support.”

The American Stroke Association urges the public to remember the B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs: balance loss, eye changes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911. The American Stroke Association has a website dedicated to stroke awareness month resources.

BIAAZ helps survivors and families affected by stroke to find vetted, trusted support from professionals experienced in brain injury rehabilitation, including neurologists, therapists, neuro-optometrists, and neuro-ophthalmologists.

Support for Survivors in Arizona

For assistance in finding and navigating Arizona resources, contact Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, visit https://biaaz.org or call the BIAAZ helpline at (888) 500-9165 for confidential assistance and resource connections.

Sources:

CDC: Stroke Overview

CDC: Stroke Facts and Statistics

American Stroke Association: Stroke Awareness Month