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.