Warning Signs of Stroke


Think "FAST"

If you think you or someone else might be suffering a stroke, you need to act fast.

You can use the word FAST to help remember the warning signs:

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 9-1-1 immediately.

Other signs of stroke include sudden onset of:

  • Change in alertness (including sleepiness, unconsciousness, and coma)
  • Severe headache with no known cause
  • Confusion or trouble understanding
  • Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
  • Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

Write down the time when symptoms first began. This information is important and might affect treatment decisions.