Stroke Symptoms

Experiencing stroke symptoms? Call 9-1-1 immediately!

B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away.

B.E. F.A.S.T. is:

 Balance loss – Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?

Eyesight changes – Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?

Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?

 Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

 Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a sentence like "The sky is blue." Is it repeated correctly?

 Time to call 9-1-1 – If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

Other Stroke Symptoms

• • • Sudden confusion
    • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
    • Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
    • Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Learn more stroke signs and symptoms.

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