Stroke Warning Signs

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Know Stroke Symptoms and BE FAST*

Brain damage can start within minutes of a stroke, although it may take hours to notice symptoms, which are often mistaken for other conditions.

Remember BE FAST*:
B = BALANCE: Sudden loss of balance
E = EYESIGHT: Blurred, double vision or no vision in one or both eyes

F = FACE: Face looks uneven; one side droops when smiling
A = ARMS: When both arms are raised, one drifts down
S = SPEECH: Trouble speaking or confusion; unable to repeat a simple phrase
T = TIME: Call 911 if you observe or experience any of these signs

Stroke Warning Signs

Stroke is the number three killer in America and is a leading cause of serious disability. The American Stroke Association urges everyone to know and recognize the following warning signs:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone you're with displays one of these signs, don't delay! Call 911 immediately. An ambulance with advanced life support will be sent for you. Note the time the first symptoms appeared. A clot-bursting drug may be given that can greatly reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke if given within three hours of the onset of symptoms.

Reduce Stroke Risks

Some risk factors - age, past strokes and family history of strokes - can't be controlled, but many others can. Check out the risk assessment scorecard for a quick snapshot of your risks. Then, take charge to reduce your risks:

• Know and control your blood pressure.
• Ask your doctor to check for atrial fibrillation.
• If you smoke or use other forms of tobacco, stop!
• If you are diabetic, follow your doctor's recommendations carefully to control your diabetes.
• Lower the sodium (salt) and fat in your diet.
• Include exercise in your daily routine and maintain a healthy weight.
• Control high cholesterol.

Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors and personal goals for healthy living.

*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.