BE FAST is an easy way to remember the most common signs of a stroke:
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden vision loss or changes in one or both eyes
- Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb; the smile looks uneven
- Arm: One arm is weak or numb; one arm drifts downward when raised
- Speech: Slurred speech or trouble speaking; difficulty repeating a simple sentence
- Time: Call 9‑1‑1 immediately, even if symptoms go away. Note the time symptoms first started.
When it comes to stroke, every minute matters.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke—sometimes called a brain attack—occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted. This is a medical emergency.
Call 9‑1‑1 immediately if you or someone else shows signs of a stroke.
Your brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function. When blood flow is reduced or stopped, even for a short time, brain cells begin to suffer damage. Brain cells can start to die within minutes without oxygen, leading to lasting injury.
When brain cells are damaged or die, the parts of the body they control may no longer work properly. Depending on which area of the brain is affected, a stroke can impact your ability to:
- Move or walk
- Speak or understand speech
- Eat, drink, or swallow
- See clearly
- Think, remember, or concentrate
- Solve problems or make decisions
- Control bowel and bladder function
- Manage emotions
- Control other vital body functions
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Recognizing the signs early and getting immediate medical help can save lives and reduce long‑term disability.
What are the Symptoms of a Stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life and reduce long‑term disability.
Call 9‑1‑1 immediately if you notice any stroke symptoms—even if they go away. Stroke treatment works best when started as soon as possible.
Common Stroke Symptoms
Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:
- Weakness, numbness, or drooping of the face, arm, or leg—usually on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking, reading, or understanding speech
- Vision problems, such as blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or trouble with balance or coordination
- Problems walking or moving
- Fainting (loss of consciousness) or seizures
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Less Common Symptoms
Some people may also experience:
- Sudden nausea or vomiting not related to illness
- Brief changes in consciousness, such as confusion, fainting, seizures, or coma
What Is a TIA (Mini‑Stroke)?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a serious condition often called a mini‑stroke. TIAs can cause the same symptoms as a stroke, but the symptoms are temporary and may last from a few minutes up to 24 hours.
Even though symptoms go away, a TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may happen soon.
Call 9‑1‑1 right away for any suspected TIA. Immediate medical evaluation is critical. While not all TIAs are followed by a stroke, many strokes are preceded by a TIA.