How to Tell if Someone Has Had a Stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening event caused by loss of oxygen to the brain. Time is critical in treating strokes. With each minute that passes, more brain cells die. Recognizing the signs of stroke in yourself or someone else can mean the difference between life and death. Use FAST (a simple acronym developed by the National Stroke Association) to check for signs of stroke and get help.

Instructions

1. Check for numbness or weakness in the face (the F in FAST) by asking the person to smile. If one side of the face droops or the person can't smile, it may mean stroke. Strokes cause weakness or numbness to the face. The numbness or weakness is usually limited to one side of the face.

2. Look for muscle weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms (the A in FAST). If one arm drifts down or can't be raised, it may mean stroke. Strokes cause muscle weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, usually limited to one side. The person may also have trouble walking or keeping balance.

3. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. If the speech (the S in FAST) is slurred or hard to understand, or the person has trouble remembering the words to repeat, it may mean stroke. Strokes cause sudden difficulty with speech and comprehension, as well as dizziness and confusion.

4. Get help immediately if you or someone else experience any of the signs of stroke. Call 911 or get the person to a hospital. Tell emergency medical personnel you're dealing with a possible stroke, so they can start proper treatment right away. Time (the T in FAST) is the most important factor in helping someone survive a stroke or limit its effects.

Tips & Warnings

• Become familiar with the risk factors for stroke: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, a family history of strokes or having had a previous stroke. Anyone with these risk factors should be watched carefully for signs of stroke.

• Strokes are sometimes preceded by smaller events called TIAs (transient ischemic attacks). The symptoms of TIAs are the same as those of stroke, but they may be perceived as less severe or sudden. If you or someone you know experiences any of these signs, no matter how slight, for 24 hours or more, call 911 or get the person to a hospital.

• Anyone can have a stroke, but the majority of strokes occur in people over the age of 65. If are over 65, or have family members or friends over 65, post the FAST acronym near the phone to save time if stroke signs occur.

• The most advanced level of stroke care is provided by Primary Stroke Centers certified by the Joint Commission on Healthcare. Check the Joint Commission's website to locate your nearest Primary Stroke Center.

• Don't delay when stroke signs are present! Loss of brain cells can lead to long-term injury or death. Stroke treatment and rehabilitation have improved greatly in recent years, but the best results occur when treatment is administered within the first three hours after the stroke occurs.

• Don't die of embarrassment! It's better to err on the side of caution, so if you or someone you know experiences any of the signs of stroke, get help immediately. Medical personnel take stroke signs seriously, and they'll be as relieved as you are if it's a false alarm.

• Don't drive yourself to the hospital if you've experienced any of the signs of stroke. Call 911 or have a family member get you to the hospital immediately.