9/23/2019 Stroke Signs and Symptoms | cdc.
gov
Stroke
Stroke Signs and Symptoms
During a stroke, every minute
counts! Fast treatment can lessen the
brain damage that stroke can cause.
By knowing the signs and symptoms
of stroke, you can take quick action
and perhaps save a life—maybe even
your own.
Signs of Stroke in Men
and Women
Sudden numbness or weakness
in the face, arm, or leg, especially
on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble
speaking, or di culty
understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or
both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, Sudden severe headache with no known cause is a stroke sign in men and women.
dizziness, loss of balance, or lack
of coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call 9-1-1 right away if you or someone else has any of these symptoms.
Acting F.A.S.T. Is Key for Stroke
Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Recognize the Signs and S…
S…
View Low Resolution Video
Published October 26, 2015
When someone is having a stroke, every minute counts. Just as putting out a re quickly can stop it from spreading,
treating a stroke quickly can reduce damage to the brain. If you learn how to recognize the telltale signs of a stroke, you
can act quickly and save a life—maybe even your own.
https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm 1/2
9/23/2019 Stroke Signs and Symptoms | cdc.gov
Acting F.A.S.T. can help stroke patients get the treatments they desperately need. The stroke treatments that work best are
available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the rst symptoms. Stroke patients may not be
eligible for these if they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:
F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
Note the time when any symptoms rst appear. This information helps health care providers determine the best treatment
for each person. Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you. Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can
begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.
Treating a Transient Ischemic Attack
If your symptoms go away after a few minutes, you may have had a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Although brief, a TIA is a
sign of a serious condition that will not go away without medical help.
Unfortunately, because TIAs clear up, many people ignore them. But paying attention to a TIA can save your life. Tell your
health care team about your symptoms right away.
More Information
From CDC:
Stroke
Know the Facts About Stroke [PDF–264K]
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Women and Stroke [PDF–268K]
Men and Stroke [PDF–248K]
African-American Women and Stroke [PDF–910K]
African-American Men and Stroke [PDF–478K]
Hispanic Women and Stroke [PDF–327K] – Las Mujeres Hispanas y Los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares [PDF–223]
Hispanic Men and Stroke [PDF–340K] – Los Hombres Hispanos y Los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares [PDF–221]
Hispanics and Stroke [PDF–217K] – Las Personas Hispanas y Los Accidentes Cerebrovasculares [PDF–223]
From other organizations:
Stroke signs and symptoms video —National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
What You Need to Know About Stroke —NINDS
Know Stroke: Know the Signs. Act in Time. —National Institutes of Health
Stroke –Medline Plus
Brain Health Resource Page –American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Internet Stroke Center
Stroke warning signs quiz (English and Spanish )–American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Page last reviewed: March 27, 2018
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