Stroke Identification During a stroke, time is of the essence! Quick treatment can minimize the damage caused by a stroke. By familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of a stroke, you can take immediate action and potentially save a life, including your own.

Signs of Stroke in Men and Women

It’s important to be aware of the following signs of a stroke in both men and women:

• Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
• Difficulty speaking, confusion, or trouble understanding speech.
• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
• Trouble walking, loss of balance, dizziness, or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache without a known cause.

If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Acting F.A.S.T. Is Crucial for Stroke

Acting F.A.S.T. can help ensure that stroke patients receive the necessary treatments. The most effective stroke treatments are available only if the stroke is identified and diagnosed within three hours of the initial symptoms. Delayed arrival at the hospital may make patients ineligible for these treatments.

To assess if someone may be having a stroke, perform this simple test:

• F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or unusual?
• T—Time: If any of these signs are present, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Note the time when the symptoms first appeared. This information helps healthcare providers determine the most appropriate treatment. Do not attempt to drive yourself or have someone else drive you to the hospital.

Call an ambulance so that medical professionals can administer life-saving treatment en route to the emergency room.

Treating a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

If your symptoms disappear after a few minutes, you may have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although brief, a TIA is a sign of a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Unfortunately, many people ignore TIAs because they resolve on their own. Remember, being attentive to a TIA can save your life. Inform your healthcare team about your symptoms promptly.