Symptoms of a Stroke
A stroke is an emergency situation. It’s important to know the signs of a stroke and get help quickly. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number right away. Treatment is most effective when started right away.
Symptoms may include:
- Weakness, drooping, or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body
- Having trouble reading, speaking, or understanding
- Problems with vision, such as dimness or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
- Problems with movement or walking
- Fainting (loss of consciousness) or seizure
- Severe headaches with no known cause, especially if they happen suddenly
Other less common symptoms of stroke may include:
- Sudden nausea or vomiting not caused by a viral illness
- Brief loss or change of consciousness, such as fainting, confusion, seizures, or coma
- TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack, or mini-stroke)
A TIA is a serious condition and can cause many of the same symptoms as a stroke. But TIA symptoms pass, while stroke symptoms don't. They can last for a few minutes or up to 24 hours. Call for medical help right away if you think someone is having a TIA. An immediate medical evaluation is critical because the TIA symptoms may be a warning sign that a stroke is about to occur. But not all TIAs are followed by a stroke.
BE FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke. When you see these signs, you will know that you need to call 9-1-1 fast. BE FAST stands for:
B – Balance. Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
E – Eyes. Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
F - Face drooping. One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.
A - Arm weakness. One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.
S - Speech difficulty. You may see slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can't repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.
T - Time to call 9-1-1. If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away. Call even if the symptom goes away. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared.