🚨 10 Early Warning Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know

A stroke can happen suddenly, and getting treatment quickly can reduce brain injury and disability. The American Stroke Association recommends remembering B.E. F.A.S.T.

1. 🙂 Sudden facial drooping

One side of the face may droop or feel numb. Ask the person to smile—does the smile look uneven?

2. 💪 Sudden arm weakness or numbness

One arm may suddenly become weak or numb, or drift downward when both arms are raised.

3. 🗣️ Sudden speech difficulty

Speech may become slurred, confused or difficult to understand. Someone may also suddenly have trouble understanding what others say.

4. 👁️ Sudden vision changes

Blurred or double vision, difficulty seeing, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can occur.

5. 🚶 Sudden loss of balance

New dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of coordination can be a stroke warning sign.

6. 🦵 Sudden weakness or numbness on one side

Stroke can cause sudden numbness or weakness involving the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side.

7. 🧠 Sudden confusion

Unexpected difficulty thinking, understanding speech, or communicating can occur.

8. 🤕 Sudden severe headache

A sudden, severe headache with no known cause can be a warning sign, particularly when accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

9. 🤢 Sudden dizziness with other neurological symptoms

Dizziness is especially concerning when it occurs together with difficulty walking, vision problems, weakness or speech changes.

10. ⚡ Sudden difficulty performing a familiar task

A sudden inability to coordinate movements or carry out a normally familiar activity can accompany