Stroke Symptoms: Know the Signs and Act Fast

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells can begin dying within minutes. That is why recognizing the symptoms—and responding immediately—matters.

Stroke symptoms usually appear suddenly. An easy way to remember the most important signs is BE FAST:

B – Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking

E – Eyes: Sudden blurred, double, or lost vision

F – Face: One side of the face droops or feels numb

A – Arms: One arm becomes weak or numb, especially on one side

S – Speech: Speech becomes slurred, confused, or difficult to understand

T – Time: Call emergency services immediately

Other warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness in a leg, confusion, difficulty understanding others, or a severe unexplained headache. A person may also experience nausea or vomiting, particularly when bleeding has occurred in the brain.

Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve. Note the time they began and call emergency services. Do not drive the person to the hospital yourself unless no emergency transport is available. Faster treatment can reduce brain damage and improve the chance of recovery.

Symptoms that disappear after a few minutes may indicate a transient ischemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke. A TIA is still an emergency because it can warn that a larger stroke is coming.

When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost. If something suddenly seems wrong, act quickly. Learn more from the CDC and American Stroke Association.

This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice.