Stroke Symptoms

The American Stroke Association promotes the acronym F.A.S.T. to help you easily identify the signs of stroke and what to do in an emergency: Seconds matter! If you notice these signs in anyone, call 9-1-1 immediately and tell them you think the person may be having a stroke.

The most common signs and symptoms of stroke are sudden:

  • Loss of movement, especially on just one side of the body
  • Weakness in the arms or legs, especially on just one side
  • One-sided weakness or sagging of the face
  • Inability to speak a coherent sentence
  • Vision loss or disturbance in one or both eyes
  • Severe headache coupled with any other stroke symptoms

To quickly assess whether a person might be experiencing a stroke, use the FAST approach:

F for Face: Is the person’s smile lopsided?
A for Arms: If the person extends both arms to the sides and raises them to shoulder level, does one arm droop?
S for Speech: Does the person have difficulty speaking a simple sentence like “the sky is blue today”?
T for Time: If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” call 911 immediately.

Stroke is the number one cause of disability for Americans. Recognizing a stroke and taking immediate action will help save you, a loved one, friend or co-worker from suffering its devastating effects.

Learn More About Stroke Education at Chandler Regional

For more information on any of our stroke programs and services, please call or stroke coordinator at (480) 728-3172.