Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs Can Save Lives
A stroke is a medical emergency. The faster treatment begins, the better the chance of limiting brain damage and long-term disability.
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
- B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
- E — Eyes: Sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes.
- F — Face: One side of the face droops or becomes numb. Ask the person to smile.
- A — Arm: One arm becomes weak or numb or drifts downward when both arms are raised.
- S — Speech: Speech becomes slurred, confused, or difficult to understand.
- T — Time: Call your local emergency service immediately.
⏱️ Don’t wait for symptoms to disappear
Even if the symptoms improve or completely disappear, they could represent a TIA (“mini-stroke”) and still require urgent medical evaluation. Note the time the symptoms started—or the last time the person was known to be well—because this can affect treatment decisions.
Don’t drive the person yourself if emergency medical services are available. EMS can begin care during transport and notify the hospital stroke team.
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