Recognizing a Stroke FAST — A Practical Guide

With stroke, time = brain. Early treatment improves outcomes.

Summary

Use FAST: Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty — Time to call emergency services immediately.

FAST — the quick test

• F — Face: drooping or uneven smile
• A — Arm: one arm drifts down
• S — Speech: slurred or trouble speaking/understanding
• T — Time: call emergency services now

Other warning signs

• Sudden vision loss or double vision
• Sudden severe headache, especially with neck stiffness
• Sudden confusion, dizziness, balance problems
• Sudden numbness/weakness on one side

What to do (and not do)

• Call emergency services; do not drive yourself
• Note time of symptom onset
• Do not start aspirin if hemorrhage is possible (e.g., thunderclap headache)
• Stay with the person; keep airway clear

After a TIA (“mini-stroke”)

• Symptoms may resolve, but near-term risk of major stroke is high → urgent evaluation

References (plain text, no live links)

• American Stroke Association — FAST signs and emergency response.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke — stroke warning signs.
• National Health Service (NHS) — stroke and TIA patient guidance.

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Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice. EOF

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