Stroke
Early Warning Signs of Stroke: What You Need to Know
Provides a rapid-recognition guide to common stroke symptoms using BE FAST and emphasizes that treatment is time-sensitive.
PRS Neurosciences Editorial TeamPatient education
4 min readPatient Guide
Stroke
Early Warning Signs of Stroke: What You Need to Know
Provides a rapid-recognition guide to common stroke symptoms using BE FAST and emphasizes that treatment is time-sensitive.
BE FAST
- Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination.
- Eyes: sudden vision loss or double vision.
- Face: facial droop.
- Arm: new weakness or numbness.
- Speech: slurred or difficult speech.
- Time: seek emergency care immediately.
Emergency response
- Note the time symptoms started, use emergency medical services and avoid delaying for home remedies or observation.
Other warning signs
- Sudden severe headache, confusion, dizziness or one-sided sensory loss can also be important.
Prevention
- Control blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and smoking and maintain regular medical follow-up.
Key takeaways
- Time matters in stroke.
- Do not drive yourself if emergency services are available.
- Transient symptoms can still be a warning sign and need urgent assessment.
Important
Educational information only. It does not replace individualized medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment.