Spot A Stroke F-A-S-T
A stroke occurs when a vessel in the brain ruptures or is blocked by a blood clot. Medical treatments for stroke work to either open the blockage or treat the rupture. Chances of survival are best if the stroke is identified and treated within 3 hours.
F-A-S-T is an acronym that can help you easily remember the most common symptoms of stroke. Quickly identifying a stroke and calling 9-1-1 can help get the stroke victim to hospital and treated within the critical 3-hour window.
FACE: Ask the person to smile. Is their face drooping?
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?
TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Beyond F-A-S-T– Other Symptoms You Should Know
- Sudden NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden TROUBLE SEEING in one or both eyes
- Sudden TROUBLE WALKING, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden SEVERE HEADACHE with no known cause
If someone shows any of these symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 .