A person experiencing a stroke may not immediately recognize what is happening. They may suddenly struggle to speak, feel weakness in one arm or notice that one side of their face is drooping. Sometimes the symptoms seem mild, causing people to wait and see whether they improve. When it comes to a possible stroke, waiting can have life-changing consequences.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Without the oxygen carried by blood, brain cells can begin to die. That is why a stroke is always a medical emergency.
“Learning the signs and symptoms of stroke is important so you can recognize when you or someone else may be having one,” said Sadie Johnson, PA-C, Phelps Memorial Cardiology Clinic. “FAST is an easy way to remember the warning signs. If you or someone you know experiences one or more signs of stroke, seek urgent medical evaluation.”
Remember FAST
One of the easiest ways to recognize the most common signs of stroke is the acronym FAST:
F: Face drooping
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop, or does the smile appear uneven?
A: Arm weakness
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Is there sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side?
S: Speech difficulty
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the speech slurred, unusual or difficult to understand?
T: Time to call 911
If any of these signs are present, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for another symptom or for the symptoms to improve. Recognizing even one of these signs and calling 911 right away could help save someone’s life or reduce the possibility of long-term disability. If possible, note the time the symptoms first appeared or the last time the person was known to be well. Emergency medical personnel will ask for this information because it may help determine which treatments are appropriate.
Know the Other Warning Signs
FAST identifies several of the most recognizable symptoms, but a stroke can cause other sudden changes, including:
- Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, difficulty walking, or loss of balance or coordination
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
- A severe headache with no known cause
The word “sudden” is important. A person may feel normal and then experience an abrupt change in movement, speech, vision, balance or understanding.
You Are Never Too Young to Know FAST
Although stroke risk increases with age, a stroke can happen at any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, self-reported stroke prevalence increased by nearly 15% among adults ages 18 to 44 from 2011–2013 to 2020–2022. Younger adults may dismiss warning signs because they do not believe they could be experiencing a stroke. Symptoms may be blamed on stress, exhaustion or a migraine, delaying lifesaving care.
Risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking and certain heart conditions can affect adults well before retirement age. Regardless of someone’s age, stroke symptoms should always be taken seriously.
Call 911, Even if the Symptoms Improve
Calling 911 is better than driving someone to the emergency department. Emergency medical services can begin evaluating and caring for the patient on the way to the hospital and alert the receiving medical team before arrival. Do not give the person food, beverages, aspirin or other medication unless emergency personnel instruct you to do so.
If symptoms disappear after a few minutes, the person still needs immediate medical attention. Temporary stroke-like symptoms may be caused by a transient ischemic attack, commonly called a TIA or “mini-stroke.” A TIA can be a serious warning that a full stroke may occur.
Know Your Risk
Some risk factors, including age and family history, cannot be changed. Others can be treated or managed. High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke and frequently has no noticeable symptoms. Regular blood pressure checks and healthcare visits can help identify and manage high cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and other conditions that may increase risk.
Women should also discuss pregnancy-related health history, including preeclampsia or gestational high blood pressure, with their healthcare provider. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and taking medications as prescribed can also help lower stroke risk.
Phelps Memorial Health Center is proud to have served as a FAST sponsor of this year’s Central Nebraska Go Red for Women event, helping bring greater awareness to heart and brain health throughout our region.
Knowing FAST gives each of us the ability to act when someone needs help most. Learn the signs, share them with the people you love and never hesitate to call 911.
When stroke strikes, acting FAST can change the rest of a life.
