Use the letters in B.E. F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke.
(Source: American Stroke Association)
B = Balance Loss
Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination? Is the person having trouble walking or experiencing dizziness?
E = Eye (Vision) Changes
Are there sudden changes in vision? Ask the person if they are experiencing blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
F = Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop, or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
T = Time to Call 911
If you have any of these symptoms or see someone else having them, call 911 immediately!
Other Stroke Symptoms
Watch for sudden:
- Numbnessor weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion,trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Severe headachewith no known cause
The B.E. F.A.S.T. Experience
In this fun and interactive environment, you’ll learn what the warning signs of stroke might look, feel and/or sound like.
Be prepared – Learn more about the stroke warning signs and symptoms.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning stroke, but is commonly referred to by the public as a mini-stroke.
TIA is a medical emergency with the same symptoms as ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Because most TIA symptoms last from only a few minutes up to 24 hours, they are often dismissed and not taken seriously.
TIAs, which occur before about 15% of strokes, are considered “warning strokes” — they are associated with additional TIAs, full-blown strokes or other cardiovascular problems later. Most of these later health problems happen within just days or weeks of the TIA, so early interventions to reduce risk are vital.
Remember “B.E. F.A.S.T.” to know when to call for help:
- B= Balance loss
- E= Eye (vision) changes
- F= Face drooping
- A= Arm weakness
- S= Speech difficulty
- T= Time to call 911
If you or someone with you is experiencing these or other stroke symptoms, urgent medical evaluation and treatment are needed. Check the time so you’ll know when the first symptoms appeared.
Call 911 even if the symptoms go away.
