Stroke: Know the Signs

After experiencing a stroke on August 5th, I wanted to create one place to share the warning signs and information I wish everyone knew.

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My own stroke was caused by complications from a rare tumor, and my symptoms did not follow the stroke presentation most people are taught to recognize.

Still, knowing the common warning signs matters.

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B.E. F.A.S.T.

The American Stroke Association uses B.E. F.A.S.T. to help identify common signs of stroke:

B — Balance Loss
Sudden loss of balance or coordination, difficulty walking, or dizziness.

E — Eye (Vision) Changes
Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or loss of sight.

F — Face Drooping
One side of the face droops or feels numb.

A — Arm Weakness
One arm becomes weak or numb.

S — Speech Difficulty
Speech becomes slurred, difficult to understand, or difficult to produce.

T — Time to Call 911
If any of these signs appear, call 911 immediately.

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Other Stroke Warning Signs

Other warning signs can include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body; sudden confusion; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing; sudden difficulty walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination; or a sudden severe headache with no known cause.

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Time Matters

A stroke is a medical emergency.

On average, approximately 1.9 million brain cells can die every minute a stroke goes untreated.

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If you think you or someone else may be having a stroke, call 911 immediately.

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Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve.

 

Call even if the symptoms go away.

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Note the time the symptoms first appeared. That information can help medical professionals determine treatment options.

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Calling 911 is also the fastest way to access stroke care because emergency medical services can begin treatment and alert the hospital stroke team before arrival.

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A Few Facts Worth Knowing

Someone in the United States has a stroke approximately every 40 seconds.

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time.

The faster a stroke is identified and treated, the greater the opportunity to reduce long-term damage and improve recovery.

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My Stroke Symptoms Were Easy to Miss

My stroke began with intense ringing in my right ear, hearing loss, and numbness in my ear and underneath my right eye.

Later that same morning, I was told I had experienced a stroke.

I’ve shared what happened, what recovery has looked like, and where I stand nearly one month later.

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Read My Stroke Story

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Trusted Stroke Resources

American Stroke Association: Stroke Symptoms and Warning Signs

American Stroke Association: B.E. F.A.S.T. Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Signs and Symptoms of Stroke