Stroke Signs and Symptoms
If you suspect stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately!
A sudden onset of the following may indicate a stroke. These symptoms or a combination of them are not unique to stroke, but if they are sudden and out of the ordinary, they may indicate a sign of stroke and require immediate attention.
BE FAST was developed by Intermountain Healthcare, as an adaptation of the FAST model implemented by the American Stroke Association. Reproduced with permission from Intermountain Healthcare. Copyright 2011, Intermountain Healthcare.
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Symptoms |
Signs You May Notice |
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Confusion |
Unable to understand what is happening, can't think clearly or feel thrown off |
A puzzled look, a hard time focusing, trouble making decisions |
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Difficulty Understanding |
Unable to comprehend speech or language |
Raised or wrinkled eyebrows, shaking their head "no", unsteady or woozy |
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Dizziness |
Feeling faint, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning |
Unsteady movements (like they have motion sickness), like they are drunk (without having any alcohol) |
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Loss of Balance |
Unstable with less coordination |
Wobbling around, grabbing onto a stationary object |
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Numbness |
A tingling feeling in the body (face, arm, or leg), like pins and needles |
Constant touching, massaging, or shaking of the numb areas |
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Severe Headache |
Pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck with no known cause |
Touching their head, rubbing their temples, sensitivity to light |
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Trouble Speaking |
Unable to speak or slurred speech |
Sentences that can't be understood, difficulty having a conversation |
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Trouble Walking |
Stumbling or unable to walk straight |
Tripping over nothing |
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Vision Changes |
Blurred vision or trouble with eyesight in one or both eyes |
Squinting or rubbing their eyes, not able to read |
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Weakness |
Lack of strength in the face, arm, or leg - especially on one side of the body |
Wanting to sit or lay down, difficulty doing simple tasks |