The symptoms of a stroke can vary depending on the type of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and the part of the brain affected. It’s important to recognize the signs and act quickly because early treatment can minimize damage to the brain.
The acronym FAST is commonly used to remember the signs of a stroke:
- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their 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, it’s time to call emergency services immediately. Time is crucial in stroke treatment.
Additional signs and symptoms of stroke may include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
Not all symptoms may be present in every stroke, and some symptoms may appear briefly and then disappear. Even if the symptoms seem to resolve, it’s still important to seek medical attention immediately, as they could indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a mini-stroke, which still requires evaluation and treatment to prevent a full stroke.
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, do not wait for them to improve or go away on their own. Call emergency services right away.