A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke and acting quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome. The symptoms of a stroke can vary from person to person, but they usually begin suddenly. The main symptoms of a stroke can be remembered with the word FAST:

• Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the persons smile uneven?
• Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech difficulty: Is speech slurred?
• Time to call 911: Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

Other symptoms of a stroke may 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
• Double vision, drowsiness, and nausea or vomiting

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to call 911 immediately. Responding quickly when you notice the symptoms of a stroke could mean the difference between life and disability or death. Even if the symptoms disappear while waiting for the ambulance, it is still important to go to the hospital for an assessment.