Stroke Symptoms
Think You Are Having a Stroke? 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.
First, there are two main types of stroke – an Ischemic stroke and a Hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow in an artery within the brain. A Hemorrhagic stroke, however, occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures within the brain. Its major subtype, an intracerebral (bleeding within the skull) hemorrhage (ICH), can be serious and have serious consequences. While it's not always possible to prevent a stroke, avoiding smoking, getting regular exercise, and following a nutritious diet may help! Strokes have been known to affect people of all ages, races, demographics, and across all socioeconomic lines, so it's important to know the symptoms of a stroke.
Take Our Stroke Risk Assessment to Determine Your Likelihood of Having a Stroke
B.E. F.A.S.T. is:
| B | Balance - Loss of balance, headache, or dizziness. |
| E | Eyes - Blurry Vision |
| F | Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven? |
| A | Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? |
| S | Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly? |
| T | 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. |
Immediate treatment is critical as ICH and other strokes can be life-threatening. Emergency care often focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. The relationship you have with your doctor is critical to understanding whether you are at higher risk. During your next check-up, ask about strokes and even develop an emergency plan that involves close friends and family members to ensure you get swift access to care if needed.