Stroke Signs & Symptoms

For a person having a stroke, immediate medical attention is vital. If you see someone exhibiting any of these symptoms, call 911.

Any of these symptoms are considered a medical emergency. All appear quickly, which is an important indicator of stroke.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden mental confusion, difficulty in speaking or understanding spoken or written language.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination.

F.A.S.T Stroke Test
Treating stroke quickly means recognizing it quickly. Use this test if you suspect someone is having a stroke:

Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are his or her words slurred?
Time: If the person shows any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Brain cells are dying so time is of the essence.

Print stroke symptoms for quick reference.