Warning Signs of a Stroke

Knowing the warning signs of a stroke is important. When a stroke occurs, quick treatment can help save the life of a loved one, as well as preserve their quality of life. 

• Sudden weakness/paralysis or a numbness sensation of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
• Sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in one eye
• Loss of speech, or difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Impaired judgement and thought processes
• Impaired swallowing
• Sudden severe headaches with no apparent cause, often described as "the worst headache I've ever had"
• Unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, esepcially when paired with any of the above symptoms

A simple way to remember the warning signs of a stroke is to remember the FAST acronym:

F  Face drooping

A  Arm weakness

S  Speech difficulty

T  Time to call 9-1-1

Stroke is an emergency! If you or a loved one experiences any of these sypmtoms, call 911 immediately. Treatment is more effective if started early. Every minute counts when treating stroke. Time is brain.