Recognizing Stroke Symptoms: Remember to Act FAST

Spotting the signs of a stroke quickly and calling emergency services right away can save lives.
Ambulance parked at a hospital emergency entrance
This is general information, not personal medical advice

It cannot account for your history, medication or examination findings. If a symptom is severe, sudden or getting worse, seek medical care promptly. See our full medical disclaimer.

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Fast treatment can limit damage, so every minute counts. The FAST test helps you remember the main signs:

  • F – Face: one side of the face droops, or the smile looks uneven.
  • A – Arms: weakness or numbness means one arm drifts down when both are raised.
  • S – Speech: speech is slurred, strange or hard to understand.
  • T – Time: call emergency services immediately.

Other sudden symptoms can include loss of balance, vision problems, confusion or a severe headache. Note the time the symptoms started, as this guides treatment. Do not drive yourself to the hospital, and do not wait to see whether symptoms pass, even if they improve.

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This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional.

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