THINK FAST: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE?
Your quick thinking could help speed stroke recovery or even help save a life – perhaps your own.
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE STROKE SYMPTOMS
Learning and remembering the warning signs of a stroke could mean the difference between faster recovery versus disability or another stroke death versus helping to save a life.
THINK F.A.S.T.
You might save a life during a suspected stroke
If you’re wondering if someone’s having a stroke, ask him or her to smile. Many times, one of the first warning signs of a stroke is numbness on one side of the face, making it difficult to smile.
Some stroke survivors report that one arm became suddenly weak at the onset of their stroke.
Someone having a stroke might be speaking with slurred words, unusually slow speech, or even gibberish.
If you or someone else is experiencing even one of these stroke symptoms – Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty – find the nearest phone, dial 9-1-1 and let them know “I think someone’s having a stroke.”
BEYOND F.A.S.T.
Learn and remember these other symptoms of stroke
Stroke survivors have talked about being in a dream-like state or feeling as though they are not inside their bodies. Because a stroke is the result of your brain not getting the blood it needs, an inability to have rational thought can be a stroke warning sign.
From tingling to outright numbness, especially if it’s on one side of the body, the problem may be a stroke, in which the brain isn’t getting the normal communication between itself and your limbs.
If you or someone else experiences sudden blurred, distorted vision – or outright blindness – it may be a stroke symptom, especially if the problem is only in one eye.
Loss of balance or a feeling of dizziness may also be a stroke warning sign. Some stroke survivors have even reported falling down for no apparent reason.
A headache that doesn’t seem to have a cause, especially if it’s sudden, may be your cue to call 9-1-1 and let them know “I think someone’s having a stroke.”
HOW MANY SYMPTOMS SHOULD CAUSE CONCERN?
Some stroke victims experience a single symptom, so It should only take one stroke warning sign for your concern to arise. Each stroke is different, but if you suspect you’re having a stroke – or you think someone else might be – don’t wait for things get worse. “Time is brain,” is a common saying among health care professionals, meaning the sooner you get help, the better the chance of surviving a stroke or avoiding permanent disability. So take action at the first sign(s):
- Dial 9-1-1
- Tell the emergency dispatcher that you “think someone’s having a stroke.”
- Note the time stroke warning sign(s) began
Dispatchers are trained to act in specific ways when they hear these words, and letting them know the time you or the person you suspect is having the stroke noticed the signs helps first responders make informed, lifesaving steps when they arrive.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKES
Warning Signs of a Stroke
From facial drooping to arm weakness, stroke warning signs can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Learn About the Most Common Type of Stroke
Read about when and how ischemic strokes can occur, and what causes them.
How Stroke Affects the Body
From recovery to lifestyle changes and challenges – find out what to expect after experiencing a stroke event.
You Know about F.A.S.T. Now Learn 5 Other Stroke Symptoms
Learn about stroke symptoms and remember that not every stroke survivor experiences the same signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Stroke Symptoms in Women
Stroke symptoms in women can be different than those found in men. For example, hiccups or numbness may be a possible stroke. Learn about the symptoms of stroke in women and help save a life.
What is a Ministroke and Can I Prevent One?
What is TIA or Ministroke? Learn about Transient Ischemic Attack, its symptoms, and how to prevent TIA with heart-healthy lifestyle choices.
Think FAST: How Well Do You Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke?
In the U.S. some kind of a stroke occurs every 40 seconds. Strokes are preventable and treatable. Find facts, tips and information on stroke prevention.
MANAGING RISK:
WHY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS MAY NOT BE ENOUGH
If you take prescription medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, they may not be enough to protect your heart. Talk to your doctor about whether these medications are enough for you and whether adding an aspirin regimen can help further reduce the risk of another heart attack or clot-related (ischemic) stroke.
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
STROKE SURVIVORS HAVE A LOT TO LIVE FORWARD TO
PENNY S.
“It’s like you’re there, but it’s like you’re in an [out of] body experience.”
ANNA B.
“I didn’t think I was having a stroke. I knew everyone was acting really urgent. It was scary for me!”
TOM K.
“I had very good handwriting … and now it’s terrible, but that’s a small price to pay in this life and death situation.”
JOYCE A.
“I’m celebrating my 52nd birthday in two weeks, and … I’m thankful to be alive.”
TONI G.
“Education is key for me. I feel so good that I’m able to help people.”
Aspirin regimen products for recurrent stroke prevention
Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.
Bayer® Aspirin is available in a variety of doses and forms.
Learn more by clicking on a product below.
Use as directed.
1 This tool is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, medical advice, or medical treatment. Contact your healthcare provider after using the tool to discuss your heart health or if you have any health concerns.
2 Estimated risk of a cardiovascular event, specifically, the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) or stroke in the next five years.