A stroke is a medical emergency where blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced. Recognizing early signs quickly can save brain function and life.
A helpful way to remember key signs is F.A.S.T., plus a few additional warning symptoms.
🚨 FAST warning signs of stroke
🧠 F — Face drooping
- One side of the face becomes uneven
- Smile looks lopsided
- Numbness or weakness on one side
💪 A — Arm weakness
- One arm drifts downward when both arms are raised
- Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
🗣️ S — Speech difficulty
- Slurred speech
- Trouble speaking or understanding words
- Confused speech
⏱️ T — Time to act
- Call emergency help immediately
- Do NOT wait for symptoms to improve
⚠️ Other early warning signs
5. Sudden vision problems
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
6. Severe sudden headache
- “Worst headache of life”
- Especially if sudden and unexplained
7. Dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking straight
- Sudden loss of coordination
8. Numbness on one side
- Face, arm, or leg numbness (usually one-sided)
9. Confusion or trouble understanding
- Difficulty processing simple information
- Sudden memory problems
10. Trouble swallowing
- Choking or difficulty managing saliva or food
🧠 Important medical note
These symptoms may indicate:
Stroke
There are two main types:
- Ischemic stroke (blocked artery)
- Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
Both require immediate emergency treatment.
⏱️ Why timing matters
Doctors say:
“Time is brain.”
The faster treatment begins, the more brain tissue can be saved.
🚨 What to do if you suspect a stroke
- Call emergency services immediately
- Do NOT give food or water
- Note the time symptoms started
- Keep the person safe and lying down
🧠 Bottom line
Stroke warning signs are often sudden and one-sided. Acting quickly using FAST can significantly improve survival and recovery.
If you want, I can also explain:
- mini-stroke (TIA) warning signs
- stroke risk factors in simple terms
- how to reduce stroke risk naturally and
