10 Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know
A stroke can happen suddenly, and recognizing the warning signs can save a life. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve on their own.
1. Sudden Facial Drooping
One side of the face may become numb or droop, especially when the person tries to smile.
2. Sudden Arm Weakness
One arm may suddenly feel weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms—one may drift downward.
3. Sudden Speech Problems
Speech may suddenly become slurred, confused, or difficult to understand.
4. Sudden Trouble Understanding
The person may suddenly struggle to understand simple questions or instructions.
5. Sudden Vision Changes
Blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes can be a warning sign.
6. Sudden Difficulty Walking
A stroke can cause unexpected trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of coordination.
7. Sudden Loss of Balance
A person may suddenly become unsteady or have difficulty maintaining balance.
8. Sudden Severe Headache
A sudden, unusually severe headache with no known cause can occur with certain strokes.
9. Sudden Numbness
Sudden numbness or weakness—particularly on one side of the body—should be treated as an emergency.
10. Sudden Confusion
A person may suddenly become confused or have difficulty thinking clearly.
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance
E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes
F — Face: Facial drooping
A — Arms: Arm weakness
S — Speech: Speech difficulty
T — Time: Call emergency services immediately
