Know the signs of a stroke and act F.A.S.T.

There is no time to waste during a Stroke. Every minute matters. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of a Stroke and how you might prevent one.

Signs of Stroke in men and women, according to the CDC, include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

If you or someone else displays these symptoms, act F.A.S.T. Get help. Call 9-1-1.

If you think someone may be having a Stroke, the CDC recommends you put the F.A.S.T. test into action:

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.

It’s beneficial to note the time when the symptoms first appear because this information may help health care providers determine the best treatment for each person.

For more information about Stroke from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm