10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. Fast treatment can save brain tissue and reduce disability, so recognizing the warning signs is important.
A helpful way to remember common signs is FAST:
- F — Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile.
- A — Arm weakness: One arm may become weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms.
- S — Speech difficulty: Speech may be slurred, confused, or hard to understand.
- T — Time to call emergency services: Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
Other Possible Stroke Warning Signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness
- Especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Sudden confusion
- Trouble understanding speech or what is happening.
- Sudden trouble seeing
- Blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache
- Especially a headache that is unusual, sudden, or described as the “worst headache.”
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Difficulty walking, coordination problems, or feeling unsteady.
- Sudden trouble speaking
- Difficulty finding words or forming sentences.
- Sudden difficulty swallowing
- May occur with other neurological symptoms.
- Sudden weakness affecting one side
- Even if it comes and goes, it can be a warning sign of a transient ischemic attack (TIA, sometimes called a mini-stroke).
- Sudden confusion or changes in alertness
- Especially if it appears without an obvious cause.
- Sudden loss of coordination
- Problems with movement or controlling the body
