Warning signs of stroke

Stroke 101

A stroke - or brain attack - is the sudden loss of blood flow to the brain and happens about once every 40 seconds to someone in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association.

Many who suffer a stroke experience one or more of the following but do not recognize them as potential warning sign of stroke:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the 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

 

In the case that a sudden stroke occurs, the National Stroke Association recommends this quick reference guide for recognizing stroke:  

F = face

Ask the patient to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = arms

Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S = speech

Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.

Do they have trouble talking? Are the words slurred? 

T = time

Call 911 right away.