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 bursts. Fast treatment can reduce brain damage and improve outcomes, so recognizing warning signs quickly is critical.
A helpful way to remember the main signs is FAST:
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
- S – Speech: Is speech slurred, strange, or difficult to understand?
- T – Time: Call emergency services immediately if these signs appear.
10 Possible Warning Signs of a Stroke
1. Sudden Face Drooping
One side of the face may become numb or weak, causing an uneven smile.
2. Sudden Weakness or Numbness
This often affects:
- The face
- One arm
- One leg
Especially when it occurs on one side of the body.
3. Trouble Speaking or Understanding Speech
A person may:
- Slur words
- Have difficulty finding words
- Seem confused by simple conversation
4. Sudden Vision Problems
Possible symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes
5. Sudden Trouble Walking
A stroke may cause:
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- Poor coordination
- Difficulty walking
6. A Sudden Severe Headache
A sudden, intense headache—especially one unlike previous headaches—may be a warning sign, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms.
