Signs of a Stroke: How to Recognize Symptoms and Act Fast

If you think someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately, even if symptoms go away.

A stroke can happen suddenly, and recognizing the warning signs can help save a life. When blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or bleeding occurs in the brain, brain cells can begin to die within minutes. Quick action can reduce the risk of serious disability and improve the chances of recovery.

Knowing the signs of a stroke, remembering BE FAST and calling 911 immediately can make a critical difference. Learn what symptoms to watch for, what to do in an emergency and how to reduce your risk of stroke.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Stroke?

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly and can vary from person to person. The American Stroke Association recommends using the acronym BE FAST to recognize common warning signs and remember when to call for help.

BE FAST stands for:

• B - Balance: Sudden loss of balance, dizziness or difficulty walking.
• E - Eyes: Sudden blurred or double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• F - Face Drooping: One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile and check whether their smile appears uneven.
• A - Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in an arm, especially on one side of the body. Ask the person to raise both arms and check whether one drifts downward.
• S - Speech Difficulty: Slurred speech or sudden difficulty speaking or understanding others.
• T - Time to Call 911: Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms.

Other possible warning signs include sudden numbness or weakness in a leg, sudden confusion or a severe headache with no known cause.

Not everyone experiencing a stroke will have all these symptoms. Even one sudden warning sign is enough to call 911. Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve.

What Should You Do if Someone Is Having a Stroke?

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Stroke is a medical emergency, and receiving treatment as quickly as possible can improve the chances of recovery.

While waiting for emergency responders:

• Call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher that you suspect a stroke and describe the symptoms you have observed.
• Note when symptoms began. If the exact time is unknown, try to determine when the person was last known to be well. This information can help the medical team determine appropriate treatment options.
• Keep the person safe and comfortable. Stay with them and follow the emergency dispatcher's instructions.
• Do not give food, drinks or medications. Swallowing may be affected during a stroke, and medications such as aspirin may be unsafe for certain types of stroke unless directed by emergency medical personnel.
• Do not drive to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin evaluating the person and coordinate appropriate stroke care while transporting them.
• Share relevant medical information. If readily available, provide emergency responders with information about medications, medical conditions and when symptoms started. Do not delay calling 911 to gather these details.

At the hospital, healthcare professionals use imaging tests and other evaluations to determine the type of stroke and identify appropriate treatments.

For some patients with an ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot, clot-dissolving medications may be an option within the first several hours. Certain patients may also qualify for a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which removes a clot from a blocked blood vessel. Treatment eligibility depends on several factors, including stroke type, symptom timing and imaging results.

Because stroke treatments are time-sensitive, never wait to see if symptoms go away before seeking emergency care.

What Is the Difference Between a Stroke and a Mini-Stroke?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted. A TIA can cause the same sudden symptoms as a stroke, including weakness, difficulty speaking, vision changes and loss of balance.

The main difference is that TIA symptoms resolve as blood flow is restored, without causing an acute brain infarction. However, symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish a TIA from a stroke.

A TIA may be a warning sign of a future stroke, and the risk can be particularly high in the days immediately afterward. Even if symptoms last only a few minutes or disappear completely, immediate medical evaluation is necessary.

If you experience stroke-like symptoms, call 911 immediately, even if you begin feeling better.

What Are the Different Types of Stroke?

There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Both interrupt normal brain function and require emergency medical care, but their causes and treatments differ.

Ischemic Stroke

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood clot or another blockage prevents blood from reaching part of the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.

Treatment focuses on restoring blood flow when appropriate. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include clot-dissolving medication or a procedure to remove the blockage.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures, causing bleeding. The bleeding can damage brain tissue and increase pressure within the skull.

Treatment may involve controlling bleeding and blood pressure, managing complications or performing a procedure when necessary.

Because treatment differs significantly between ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, medical professionals must identify the type of stroke before deciding on appropriate treatment.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Stroke?

Although not all strokes can be prevented, managing certain health conditions and making healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk.

Steps you can take to reduce your stroke risk include:

• Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Have your blood pressure checked regularly and follow your healthcare professional's recommendations for managing it.
• Control diabetes and cholesterol. Managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk of blood vessel damage and stroke.
• Stay physically active. Regular exercise supports cardiovascular health and can help manage blood pressure, weight and other stroke risk factors.
• Choose heart-healthy foods. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and foods lower in sodium and saturated fat.
• Avoid tobacco products. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases stroke risk. Quitting smoking can improve cardiovascular health.
• Limit alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and contribute to other health problems associated with stroke.
• Manage heart conditions. Certain conditions, including atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heart rhythm, can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Follow your healthcare professional's treatment recommendations.
• Take medications as prescribed. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol or a heart condition, follow your prescribed treatment plan and attend regular follow-up appointments.

Some stroke risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be changed. However, understanding your personal risk factors and working with your healthcare team can help you take steps to protect your health.

Find Stroke Care at Broward Health

When a stroke occurs, receiving medical care quickly can make a critical difference. Broward Health provides 24/7 emergency stroke care through its Emergency Departments, with multidisciplinary teams that work together to diagnose and treat strokes and support patients throughout recovery.

Our stroke specialists provide care for ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, as well as transient ischemic attacks. Broward Health also offers services to help patients manage stroke risk factors and reduce the likelihood of future strokes.

If you or someone you know experiences stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve or attempt to drive to the hospital.

Learn More About Stroke Care at Broward Health