Recognizing stroke symptoms quickly can save lives. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is critical. A helpful way to remember the warning signs is FAST:
- Face drooping — One side of the face may feel numb or look uneven, especially when smiling.
- Arm weakness — Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm (or leg), often on one side of the body.
- Speech difficulty — Slurred speech, trouble finding words, or difficulty understanding others.
- Time to call emergency services — If any of these signs appear, seek emergency help immediately.
Other possible warning signs include:
- Sudden confusion — New trouble understanding, thinking clearly, or following a conversation.
- Sudden vision problems — Blurred vision, loss of vision, or double vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache — Especially a headache that is unusual, intense, or comes on rapidly.
- Dizziness or loss of balance — Trouble walking, coordination problems, or sudden weakness.
- Numbness or tingling — Sudden loss of feeling, especially on one side of the body.
- Difficulty swallowing — Sudden problems controlling swallowing or facial muscles.
If stroke symptoms appear—even if they go away after a few minutes—treat it as an emergency and contact local emergency services right away. Quick action can reduce the risk of permanent brain injury.
