Recognize Stroke 

Learn Stroke Warning Signs

Watch for the sudden onset of:



• weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg—especially just one side
• dizziness
• confusion or trouble speaking
• severe headache with no known cause

Don’t ignore these signs, even if they go away. Call 911 FAST.

Every moment lost can mean brain function lost. If someone has one or more of these signs, note the time the symptoms started and call 911 immediately.

Stroke is a blockage in your brain.

Stroke happens when supplies of blood and oxygen are cut off from reaching one or more parts of your brain. It is caused when a blood vessel ruptures or becomes blocked. When nerve cells don’t get the supplies they need, they stop working—and so do the parts of the body they control. 

If treated quickly, most effects of stroke are reversible. Advanced clot-dissolving drugs can stop a stroke in progress and prevent or reduce disability, but they must be administered within the first few hours after stroke symptoms appear. 



Lost function can often be restored through physical, occupational and/or speech therapy. With proper diet, exercise and medication, chances of it happening again can be reduced.

Although more common in older people, strokes can happen to anyone at any age. They can result from head injury, illness, high blood pressure or other causes. Healthy living habits can lower your risk of stroke.

Talk to your physician about a sustainable plan for controlling your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and any diseases like diabetes.

B.E. F.A.S.T. to save lives.

BALANCE: Watch for sudden loss of balance.

EYES: Check for vision loss.

FACE: Does the face look uneven?

ARM: Is one arm hanging down?

SPEECH: Is speech slurred?

TIME:  Call 911 immediately.