« Stroke Center

Stroke Signs & Symptoms

A stroke is an interruption in the blood flow to our brain from either a clot or a break in the blood vessel.

Close up image of a man clutching his chest above his heart in pain.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of a stroke, call 9-1-1. It is critical for someone who may be having a stroke to be transported to the hospital by trained medical personnel immediately. Early recognition is key, and a stroke is a medical emergency.

On average, every four minutes someone dies of stroke. When a stroke occurs, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it begins to die. Brain function, future abilities and life itself are threatened every minute a stroke goes untreated. Every minute the brain is without oxygen, 2 million brain cells die.

be-fast graphic to spot the signs of stroke

BE-FAST and spot the signs of stroke

Seconds count when you or a loved one is experiencing a stroke. It’s vital to receive stroke treatment as quickly as possible. Use the BE-FAST acronym to remember stroke warning signs. 

B  - Balance difficulty: Sudden loss of balance or coordination, weakness or dizziness

E  - Eye changes: Sudden onset of vision changes in one or both eyes

F  - Face drooping: Sudden onset of facial drooping, usually on one side

A  - Arm weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in the arm, leg or face, usually on one side of the body

S  - Slurred speech: Sudden onset of trouble speaking or difficulty in understanding speech

T  - Terrible headache: Sudden onset of severe headache with no known cause

Risk Factors

Risk factors such as age, genetics, gender and race cannot be controlled. However, there are several risk factors that you can control. If your health care provider has already identified that you have any of these risk factors, it is very important to create a plan to help reduce your risk of stroke.

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Alcohol consumption and illegal drug use
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • Inactivity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Abnormal cholesterol
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Carotid artery disease
  • Peripheral vascular disease