A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly and taking immediate action can save a life and dramatically improve stroke recovery outcomes.
How to Detect if Someone Had a Stroke
The most effective way to recognize a stroke is to use the acronym F.A.S.T., developed by the American Stroke Association:
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F – Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
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A – Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm drifting downward or unable to rise?
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S – Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or strange?
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T – Time to Call Emergency Services: If any of these signs are present, call emergency services immediately.
Other symptoms that may indicate a stroke include:
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Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or understanding speech
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
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Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected. In some cases, signs may be subtle, especially with small or “silent” strokes.
Immediate Steps to Take If You Suspect a Stroke
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Call Emergency Services Immediately (911 or your local number):
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Stroke is a time-sensitive emergency. The faster a person gets medical help, the better their chances of survival and recovery.
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Do not try to drive the person to the hospital yourself unless absolutely necessary.
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Note the Time Symptoms Began:
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Treatment options such as clot-busting drugs are most effective if given within a few hours of symptom onset.
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Emergency responders and doctors need to know exactly when the symptoms started (or when the person was last known to be well).
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Keep the Person Calm and Comfortable:
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Lay them down with the head slightly elevated.
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Reassure them and try to keep them still. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
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Monitor Breathing and Consciousness:
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If the person becomes unresponsive but is still breathing, place them on their side in the recovery position.
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If they are not breathing, begin CPR and continue until help arrives.
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Do Not Give Medications or Food:
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Do not administer aspirin or other medications unless instructed by emergency personnel. Some strokes are caused by bleeding, and aspirin could make it worse.
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Why Immediate Action Matters
The phrase “time is brain” highlights how critical every second is during a stroke. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Rapid treatment can:
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Limit brain damage
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Increase the chance of survival
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Reduce the severity of long-term disability
Final Thoughts
Recognizing stroke symptoms and acting quickly can make the difference between life and death, or between a full stroke recovery and permanent disability. Share the F.A.S.T. acronym with friends and family, and don’t hesitate to call emergency services if you suspect someone is having a stroke — even if you’re not sure. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.