10 early warning signs of a stroke everyone should know
A stroke usually happens suddenly, so recognizing the symptoms and getting emergency treatment quickly can reduce brain damage and disability. CDC+1
The commonly recognized warning signs include:
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Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side.
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Facial drooping, particularly on one side.
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Sudden difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
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Sudden difficulty understanding what someone is saying.
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Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.
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Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
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Sudden trouble walking or coordinating movements.
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A sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
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Sudden confusion or a noticeable change in alertness.
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Sudden loss of coordination, particularly when it occurs together with other neurological symptoms. CDC+1
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
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B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
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E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes
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F — Face: One side of the face droops
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A — Arms: One arm becomes weak or drifts downward
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S — Speech: Speech becomes slurred or unusual
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T — Time: Call emergency medical services immediately
Don’t wait to see whether symptoms improve. Even if they disappear after a few minutes, they could represent a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which requires urgent medical evaluation. CDC+1
If these symptoms are happening now, seek emergency medical help immediately. Note the time the symptoms began, because that information can help doctors determine appropriate treatment. CDC+1
