Stroke is a medical emergency - every second counts!

Recognizing the signs early can save a life and greatly improve the chances of recovery. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, and without quick treatment, brain cells begin to die. That’s why it’s critical to act FAST.

The FAST acronym is a simple way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Learn it. Share it. It could save a life.

FACE

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or seem uneven? Every minute counts

ARMS

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or
feel weak?

SPEECH

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

TIME

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.

FACE

Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or seem uneven? Every minute counts

ARMS

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?

SPEECH

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or difficult to understand?

TIME

If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.

Why These Symptoms Matter

Stroke is a medical emergency. The sooner it’s recognized and treated, the better the chances for recovery. If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in reducing brain damage and improving outcomes.

Other Warning Signs to Look Out For

While FAST covers the most visible signs, stroke can present in other ways. Watch for these additional symptoms:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Sudden confusion, trouble understanding, or difficulty speaking
  • Sudden blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or loss of balance
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone can have a stroke, but certain factors increase the risk:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet
  • Heart conditions
  • Family history of stroke

Remember: Stroke is treatable. Stroke is preventable. But only if we know the signs and act fast!