One of the best-known ways to recognize a possible stroke is the FAST method: Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.
Face: Ask the person to smile. One side of the face may droop, or the smile may appear uneven.
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. One arm may drift downward, feel weak, or be difficult to lift.
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Their speech may be slurred, confused, or difficult to understand. They may also struggle to understand what others are saying.
Time: If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, call emergency services immediately. Record when the symptoms began or when the person was last known to be well.
Other possible warning signs include sudden numbness, especially on one side of the body; confusion; difficulty walking; loss of coordination; or a sudden change in vision.
These symptoms may be painless, which can cause people to underestimate their seriousness. A person may believe they are simply tired, stressed, or experiencing a temporary problem.
However, sudden neurological changes should never be dismissed because they seem mild. Even if the person feels normal again after several minutes, urgent medical assessment is necessary.
Do not drive yourself to the hospital if you suspect a stroke. Emergency medical personnel can begin appropriate assessment and help direct the patient to a facility equipped to provide stroke treatment.