10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency, and symptoms typically appear suddenly. Knowing the warning signs can help you get treatment faster. The American Stroke Association recommends B.E. F.A.S.T. www.stroke.org+1
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Sudden loss of balance — trouble walking, dizziness, or unexpected loss of coordination.
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Sudden vision changes — blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
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Face drooping or numbness — particularly on one side. Ask the person to smile and look for an uneven smile.
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Arm weakness or numbness — especially on one side; one arm may drift downward when both are raised.
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Speech difficulty — slurred, strange, or difficult-to-understand speech.
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Sudden numbness or weakness — affecting the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side.
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Sudden confusion — difficulty understanding speech or communicating.
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Sudden difficulty walking or coordinating movements — even if there is no obvious weakness.
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Sudden severe headache with no known cause — particularly when it is very different from previous headaches.
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Sudden symptoms that disappear — this can be a TIA (transient ischemic attack). Symptoms disappearing does not mean the danger has passed and still requires urgent medical evaluation. www.stroke.org+1
Remember: B.E. F.A.S.T.
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B — Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
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E — Eyes: sudden vision changes
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F — Face: facial drooping
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A — Arm: weakness or numbness
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S — Speech: difficulty speaking or understanding
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T — Time: call your local emergency service immediately www.stroke.org
If even one of these symptoms occurs suddenly, don’t wait to see whether it improves. Note the time the symptoms began and seek emergency medical help immediately. Even symptoms that resolve can represent a TIA. www.stroke.org+1
If this is happening right now, treat it as an emergency rather than continuing to read or waiting for additional symptoms.
