Stroke Warning Signs
If you suspect that someone is having a stroke, act quickly. A stroke is an emergency – and mere seconds can make an enormous difference in the outcome for a stroke survivor. Call 9-1-1 and try to recall the time that symptoms first appeared. If a stroke victim receives immediate medical assistance, a clot-busting drug can be administered by medical personnel within three hours of first symptoms which may reduce the likelihood of long-term disability resulting from a stroke. The quicker that medical care is received, the greater a stroke victim’s chances are of not only surviving a stroke, but minimizing its effects.
Learn to recognize stroke signs, and be prepared to save a friend or loved one's life, or your own.
F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Use the letters in F.A.S.T to spot a stroke:
- F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
- A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
- T = Time to call 911
Not all of these warning signs may be present, and one or more may go away. Don’t ignore these signs or dismiss them, even if they do not persist. Call 9-1-1 or seek medical assistance immediately.
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