A stroke can happen suddenly, and recognizing the warning signs quickly can make a major difference because early treatment can reduce brain damage and improve outcomes.
A simple way to remember common stroke warning signs is BE FAST:
- B — Balance problems
- Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, trouble walking, or unexplained falls.
- E — Eye problems
- Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- F — Face drooping
- One side of the face feels weak or looks uneven, especially when smiling.
- A — Arm weakness
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or inability to raise one arm.
- S — Speech difficulty
- Slurred speech, trouble finding words, confusion, or difficulty understanding others.
- T — Time to call emergency services
- If any of these signs appear, seek emergency help immediately and note the time symptoms started.
Other possible warning signs include:
- Sudden severe headache
- Especially a “worst headache ever” that appears without a clear cause.
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Particularly on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty thinking clearly, understanding speech, or responding normally.
- Sudden trouble swallowing or severe imbalance
- Problems controlling movements or performing normal activities.
