Symptoms of a Stroke

Strokes are medical emergencies that require immediate attention. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial for quick detection and treatment:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Severe headache with no known cause
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

What to Do

When you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the FAST acronym:

• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Quick action is essential in stroke cases. The sooner a person receives medical treatment, the better the chances of recovery.