Dr. Pimple Popper’s stroke highlights subtle symptoms to know

Dr. Sandra Lee, a dermatologist better known as Dr. Pimple Popper, thought she was having a hot flash when she endured an ischemic stroke while filming an episode of her television show in November 2025.

Ischemic strokes happen when vessels supplying blood to the brain are obstructed and is the most common stroke people experience.

Lee said she got "super sweaty" and didn't feel like herself. Later, she said she experienced shooting pain in one leg, slurred speech and weakness on one side of her body. She headed to an emergency room where an MRI confirmed the stroke.

"Sometimes stroke symptoms start out feeling vague or subtle, especially in women," said Ingrid Kanady, APN-CNP , an advanced practice provider in neurology at Endeavor Health. "But time is of the essence when it comes to stroke, so it's important to take action if you notice stroke symptoms."

In the United States, stroke ranks as the fifth leading cause of death and as the top leading cause for serious long-term disability.

BE-FAST

The National Stroke Association recommends using the word BE-FAST to remember the warning signs:

B: Balance. Do you feel off balance or dizzy?
E: Eye. Do you have vision changes?
F: Face. Is one side of the face drooping when you smile?
A: Arms. When you lift both arms does one arm drift back down?
S: Speech. Is speech slurred or does it sound odd?
T: Time. If you see these signs in yourself or anyone, call 911 immediately.

How to lower your risk

Lee said she's taking steps to lower her blood pressure and cholesterol to avoid future strokes.

Though your age and having a family history of stroke make you more susceptible to stroke, there are some factors you can control .

"There are a number of risk factors for stroke that we can control, including things like diet, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking," Kanady said. "It's vital to stay on top of your overall health by scheduling regular visits with your primary care doctor so things like cholesterol and high blood pressure don't become an issue."

Here are five ways to help decrease your chances of stroke:

1. Lower your blood pressure. Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors and can double or even quadruple your chance for stroke. Ideally, your blood pressure should be less than 135/85. Talk to your doctor about your blood pressure and take medications if necessary. Include low-sodium foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet.
   
2. Lose weight and eat healthy. Obesity increases your chance for stroke. Losing as few as 10 pounds can help decrease your risk. You should also address other health issues (including the other stroke risks) that come with carrying extra weight. Talk to your doctor about a plan to shed the pounds and adopt a healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, lean meats, fish and whole grains, and limits added sugars, sodium and processed foods.
   
3. Quit smoking. Smoking can thicken your blood and increase the amount of plaque build-up in your arteries - two things that can accelerate clot formation. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, ask your doctor for help in your effort to quit.
   
4. Exercise more or start exercising. Get moving or move more. Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. If you aren't active, develop a plan and work towards a goal of 20-30 minutes of activity each day. If you are already active, keep it up and try to increase your activity.
   
5. Reduce stress. Taking steps to reduce psychological stress can lower your risk of stroke. Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, which can increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.
   
6. Manage health conditions. While high blood pressure is one of the bigger risk factors for stroke, other conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol can also increase your chance for stroke. Be sure to work with your doctor to develop a plan to manage those conditions and stay on top of taking any prescribed medications. Getting regular exercise and losing excess weight also aid in managing other health conditions.