Stroke Symptoms

The sooner a patient gets stroke care, the better the outcome. You can help save a life by knowing the warning signs of a stroke. Remember to BE FAST:

• Balance—Check for difficulties
• Eyesight—Check for sudden changes in vision
• Face drooping—Ask the person to smile. Is one side uneven?
• Arm weakness—Ask the person to lift their arms. Is one drifting downwards?
• Speech difficulty—Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time—Every second counts. Time lost is brain lost.

Call 911 at the first sign of stroke symptoms. Other signs to watch for include sudden:

• Difficulty with walking or coordination
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Vision changes in one or both eyes

Certain health conditions, family traits and lifestyle choices affect your risk of stoke. Find out how to reduce your risks.