Be prepared to recognize stroke and take immediate action
Waiting to see if the symptoms go away is not an option.
When it comes to stroke, every minute counts. Your immediate action can help prevent brain damage and long-term disability.
Do you think you could identify all 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.
*BEFAST 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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