F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke.
- Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
- Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
– 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 simple sentence, like "The sky is blue." Is the sentence 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 Symptoms You Should Know
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Sudden numbness or weakness of the leg
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Sudden confusion or trouble understanding
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
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Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If someone shows any of these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services.
For more information visit the National Stroke Association website.