Dr. Kenneth Liu Shares Importance of Stroke Awareness for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Health

Dr. Liu sheds light on disparate outcomes faced by the AAPI community from his perspective as a Chinese American, emphasizing the higher incidence of strokes among this population.

In this interview, he highlights the importance of accessible health education and understanding cultural differences within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. He believes healthcare professionals must respect and understand the cultural differences of patients to ensure quality care.

Dr. Liu's personal experience with his grandfather passing away from a stroke in the 1990s due to delayed reaction to stroke symptoms is an example of what so many people face due to barriers —both cultural and related to healthcare access—that may keep them from seeking care.

Dr. Liu emphasizes the importance of knowing the signs of a stroke, summarized in the acronym BE FAST:

B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination

E - Eyes: Blurred or double vision, or sudden vision loss

F - Face: One side of the face drooping or numbness

A - Arms: Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg

S - Speech: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

T - Time: Time to call 911 right away

Knowing these signs and acting quickly can lead to significantly better outcomes. Dr. Liu encourages everyone to pay attention to these signs for themselves and others who may not seek help due to cultural stigmatization or lack of awareness.

Learn more about Kenneth Liu, MD, neuroendovascular surgeon at the Bronson Neuroscience Center.