Patient Handout: Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms
Use the FAST mnemonic to recognize stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately—these three signs (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty) are present in 88% of all strokes, and knowing at least two of these symptoms is associated with proper stroke recognition and emergency response 1, 2.
Critical Warning Signs - Act Immediately
When you notice ANY of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not wait or drive yourself to the hospital.
The FAST Signs (Most Important)
- F - Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile—is it uneven?
- A - Arm Weakness: One arm drifts downward or feels weak/numb. Ask the person to raise both arms—does one drift down?
- S - Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech or trouble speaking/understanding. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence—is it garbled or strange?
- T - Time to Call 9-1-1: If you see ANY of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately 1, 2
These three symptoms alone identify nearly 9 out of 10 strokes 1. Research shows that knowing at least two of these symptoms (face, arm, or speech problems) helps people recognize stroke and call for help quickly 3.
Additional "Sudden" Warning Signs
Beyond FAST, watch for these sudden symptoms:
- Sudden vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache: The worst headache of your life with no known cause
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance: Trouble walking, loss of coordination, or feeling unsteady 1, 4
Why Every Minute Matters
Time is Brain. Brain cells die rapidly during a stroke. Calling 9-1-1 immediately gives you access to life-saving treatments that must be given within hours of symptom onset 1. Patients transported by ambulance:
- Get brain scans faster
- Receive treatment sooner
- Have better outcomes 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't wait to see if symptoms go away: Even if symptoms resolve quickly (mini-stroke or TIA), you still need emergency evaluation 4
- Don't drive yourself or have someone drive you: Call 9-1-1—ambulance transport gets you faster treatment 1
- Don't dismiss mild symptoms: Weakness, numbness, or speech changes are emergencies even if they seem minor
What to Do Right Now
- Learn these signs and share them with family members
- Post this information where everyone can see it (refrigerator, bathroom mirror)
- When stroke happens, call 9-1-1 first—do not call your doctor's office or a family member first
- Note the time symptoms started if possible—doctors need this information 1
Recent data shows that only about half of adults know the appropriate action for all stroke warning signs, and only 53% of stroke patients use emergency services 2, 5. Don't be part of these statistics—know the signs and call 9-1-1 immediately.