Here are 10 early warning signs of a stroke that everyone should know. A stroke is a medical emergency, and recognizing these signs quickly can save brain function and lives.
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Face drooping
- One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile—an uneven smile is a warning sign.
- Arm weakness
- One arm may drift downward when both arms are raised.
- Difficulty speaking
- Speech may become slurred, garbled, or difficult to understand. The person may also have trouble finding words.
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty understanding what others are saying or appearing unusually confused.
- Vision problems
- Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Severe headache
- A sudden, intense headache with no obvious cause, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking, loss of coordination, or unexplained dizziness.
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden trouble swallowing or choking without an obvious reason.
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Clumsiness or inability to perform simple movements that starts abruptly.
Remember the acronym: FAST
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
- S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, call your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve.
Why acting quickly matters
Many strokes are caused by a blocked artery in the brain. Treatments that restore blood flow are most effective when started as soon as possible after symptoms begin. Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, they could represent a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a warning sign that a full stroke may follow and still requires urgent medical evaluation.
