Be prepared to recognize stroke and take immediate action.
Waiting to see if the symptoms go away is not an option.
The brain is under attack every second of a stroke. Your immediate action can have a lasting impact.
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF STROKE
Be prepared to recognize stroke and take immediate action.
Waiting to see if the symptoms go away is not an option.
Signs of Stroke
Dizziness, weakness, trouble speaking, vision changes
Loss of balance, headache, confusion
Difficulty understanding, numbness, trouble walking
What should you be looking for?
However, the signs and symptoms can be more complex.
What you see might actually feel different to someone having a stroke. Here is a description of what they may experience and what you may notice.
A SUDDEN ONSET of the following symptoms may indicate stroke*
| SYMPTOMS A LOVED ONE MAY EXPERIENCE | SIGNS YOU MAY NOTICE |
| LOSS OF BALANCE | |
| Unstable with less coordination, stumbling, unable to walk straight | Wobbling around, grabbing onto a stationary object, tripping over nothing |
| DIZZINESS | |
| Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning | Unsteady movements (like motion sickness), like they are drunk (without having any alcohol) |
| VISION CHANGES |
|
| Blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes |
Squinting or rubbing their eyes, not able to read |
| FACIAL DROOPING |
|
| One side of the face is drooping or looks uneven |
Ask the person to smile and observe their face. See if the face droops on one side |
| SEVERE HEADACHE |
|
| Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck with no known cause |
Touching their head, rubbing their temples, sensitivity to light |
| WEAKNESS | |
| Lack of strength in arm or leg—especially on one side of the body |
Wanting to sit or lay down, difficulty doing simple tasks |
| NUMBNESS | |
| A tingling feeling in the body (ie, face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles |
Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas |
| TROUBLE SPEAKING | |
| Unable to speak or slurred speech |
Sentences that can’t be understood, difficulty having a conversation |
| CONFUSION | |
| Unable to understand what is happening, can’t think clearly or feel thrown off |
A puzzled look, raised or wrinkled eyebrows, shaking their head “no,” a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions |
| TO CALL 911 |
*Note that these symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention.
Calling 911 and getting EMS care could have a lasting impact on a loved one.
*BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. © 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.
Stroke Can Happen to Anyone
Helpful information and education about stroke.
Tell your loved ones
Use these tools to help spread stroke awareness.