Remember FAST
Stroke is a medical emergency. The most important thing you can do is recognize the signs quickly and call 911 immediately. Early treatment can reduce disability and improve the chance of recovery.
| Letter | What to look for |
| F — Face | Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop? |
| A — Arm | Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak? |
| S — Speech | Is speech slurred, hard to understand, or absent? |
| T — Time | If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away. |
Other possible stroke symptoms
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Stroke can also cause sudden:
- Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
- Vision loss or double vision
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
Why “time is brain”
During an ischemic stroke, a blood vessel is blocked and brain tissue is deprived of oxygen. The sooner blood flow is restored, the more brain tissue may be saved. Treatments such as clot-dissolving medication and clot-removal procedures are time-sensitive.
What to do if you suspect a stroke
- Call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.
- Note the time the person was last known well (symptom onset or when they were last seen normal). This helps determine eligibility for certain treatments.
- Do not drive yourself to the hospital unless emergency services are unavailable. EMS can begin assessment and notify the stroke team en route.
- Do not give food, drink, or medications unless instructed by medical professionals. Swallowing may be impaired.
A quick reality check
Many people hope symptoms will pass. Sometimes they do—but that can still be dangerous. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) may cause stroke-like symptoms that resolve, yet it can be a warning sign of an impending stroke. Any sudden neurologic symptom deserves urgent evaluation.
Takeaway
F = Face drooping. A = Arm weakness. S = Speech difficulty. T = Time to call 911. If you notice any FAST sign—or any sudden one-sided weakness, speech problem, vision change, severe headache, or balance problem—seek emergency care immediately. Minutes matter.