F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of a stroke.
F = Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A = Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty
Is the speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "the sky is blue." Is the sentence repeated correctly?
T = Time to Call 9-1-1
If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Other Signs
Abrupt onset of:
- Difficulty with speech
- One side of the face drooping or feeling numb
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Unexplained clumsiness or falling
- Sudden severe headache
- Blurred or double vision
If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, call 911 or have someone get you to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Get the F.A.S.T. Stroke PDF
Download or view the F.A.S.T. Stroke Warning Signs PDF.