Be prepared to recognize stroke and take immediate action
Waiting to see if the symptoms go away is not an option.
The brain is under attack every second of a stroke. Your immediate action can have a lasting impact.
Do you think you could identify common signs of stroke?
You might know the BE FAST* signs of stroke: Balance loss, Eyesight loss, Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
A SUDDEN ONSET of the following symptoms may indicate stroke*
| SYMPTOMS A LOVED ONE MAY EXPERIENCE | SIGNS YOU MAY NOTICE | |
|---|---|---|
1. CONFUSION | Unable to understand what is happening, can't think clearly or feel thrown off | A puzzled look, a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions |
2. DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING | Unable to comprehend speech or language | Raised or wrinkled eyebrows, shaking their head “no.” Unsteady or woozy |
3. DIZZINESS | Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning | Unsteady movements (like they have motion sickness), like they are drunk (without having any alcohol) |
4. LOSS OF BALANCE | Unstable with less coordination | Wobbling around, grabbing onto a stationary object |
5. NUMBNESS | A tingling sensation in the body (i.e. face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles | Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas |
6. SEVERE HEADACHE | Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck with no known cause | Touching their head or rubbing their temples, sensitivity to light |
7. TROUBLE SPEAKING | Unable to speak or slurred speech | Sentences that can’t be understood, difficulty having a conversation |
8. TROUBLE WALKING | Stumbling or unable to walk straight | Tripping over nothing |
9. VISION CHANGES | Blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes | Squinting or rubbing their eyes, not able to read |
10. WEAKNESS | Lack of strength in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body | Wanting to sit or lay down, difficulty doing simple tasks |
*Note that these symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention.
Call your local emergency services immediately if you think you or someone near you is having a stroke. Download the list.
*BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.
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