Stroke Symptoms: FAST Warning Signs and Emergency Treatment

Learn the FAST stroke warning signs, common symptoms, risk factors and why immediate emergency treatment is essential.

Stroke Is a Medical Emergency

A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding occurs in the brain.

Rapid recognition and treatment can be critical.

Remember FAST

F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?

A – Arm: Is one arm weak or numb?

S – Speech: Is speech slurred, confused or difficult?

T – Time: Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Other possible symptoms

Stroke may also cause:

• Sudden vision problems
• Sudden severe dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Sudden weakness or numbness
• Sudden severe headache

Do not wait for symptoms to disappear

Even if symptoms improve, medical evaluation is important because a transient ischemic attack can precede a major stroke.

Risk factors

Important risk factors include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Certain heart conditions
• Increasing age
• Previous stroke/TIA

Blood-pressure control is one of the major components of stroke prevention.