Recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly can save a life. A stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment greatly improves the chance of recovery.
Here are 10 important warning signs:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, such as blurred or lost vision.
- Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause, particularly if it’s unlike any you’ve had before.
- Facial drooping, where one side of the face sags or feels numb.
- Arm weakness, making it difficult to raise one or both arms.
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking clearly.
- Sudden trouble swallowing (in some cases).
- Sudden loss of consciousness or fainting, although this is less common.
The easiest way to remember the most common stroke symptoms is FAST:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
- Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
- Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- Time: If any of these signs are present, call your local emergency services immediately. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve.
Even if symptoms go away after a few minutes, they could be a Transient ischemic attack, which is a warning sign that a more serious stroke may follow. Immediate medical evaluation is important.
