If you have one or more stroke symptoms, do not delay. Immediately call 911. It is better to have an unnecessary trip to the ER than to end up permanently and possibly severely disabled.
According to the National Stroke Association, these are the common symptoms seen in both men and women:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg — especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
A Simple Test for Stroke
The most effective treatments are only available within three hours of the first onset, so it is very important to identify the attack immediately and get emergency help.
Use the following procedure to help you identify the risk and act F.A.S.T.:
1. FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop down?
2. ARMS: Ask the person to lift both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
3. SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are their words slurred? Can he/she repeat the sentence correctly?
4. TIME: If the person shows one or more of these signs, time is important. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital fast.
Now that you’ve read about Stroke Symptoms, please return to the Stroke Treatment page.
