10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Recognizing symptoms quickly and getting emergency help can greatly improve outcomes.
A simple way to remember common warning signs is BE FAST:
1. B — Balance problems
- Sudden dizziness
- Loss of coordination
- Trouble walking or standing
2. E — Eye problems
- Sudden blurred vision
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Double vision
3. F — Face drooping
- One side of the face may feel weak or numb
- Smile may appear uneven
4. A — Arm weakness
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or heaviness in one arm (or one side of the body)
- Difficulty lifting or keeping an arm raised
5. S — Speech difficulty
- Slurred speech
- Trouble finding words
- Difficulty understanding others
6. T — Time to call emergency services
- If any of these signs appear suddenly, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Other possible stroke warning signs
7. Sudden severe headache
- A very intense headache with no known cause, especially if it appears suddenly.
8. Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially affecting one side of the face, arm, or leg.
9. Sudden confusion
- Trouble understanding speech, surroundings, or what is happening.
10. Sudden trouble with movement
- Difficulty walking, clumsiness, or loss of coordination
