A stroke happens when the brain’s blood supply is interrupted by a blockage or bleeding. Without oxygen-rich blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes. Quick action is critical so knowing how to spot the early symptoms can save a life.
The FAST Warning Signs
Medical professionals use the FAST acronym to help the public remember the core symptoms of a stroke:
- F – Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? A crooked or uneven smile is a strong warning sign.
- A – Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak or numb?
- S – Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, garbled, or hard to understand?
- T – Time to Call 911: If you notice any of these signs, even briefly, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait.
Additional Stroke Symptoms
While the FAST signs are the most common and visible, strokes can present with other symptoms, including:
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
These symptoms often come on quickly and without warning. Anyone experiencing them should be evaluated immediately.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
Some strokes are preceded by a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke. TIAs cause stroke-like symptoms but last only a few minutes and do not cause permanent damage. However, they are a major warning sign. One in three people who suffer a TIA will have a full stroke, often within days. Treating a TIA promptly can prevent the more serious event that may follow.
Why Early Recognition Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 800,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke each year. Many lead to permanent disability or death. However, the faster someone receives treatment for a stroke, the better their chance of survival and recovery.
A study on the effects of treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke investigated the impact of initiating rehabilitation at varying times post-stroke. Patients who began rehabilitation within 72 hours of stroke onset showed significantly greater improvements in neurological function, daily living activities, and motor function at both one and three months after. These findings were in comparison to a group of patients who began rehabilitation between 72 hours and 7 days of a stroke.
How Medical Care for a Stroke can Impact a Potential Legal Claim
Prompt medical care after a stroke is not only critical for survival and recovery—it also plays a key role in any potential legal claim. When another party may be liable, such as in cases involving medical negligence, delayed diagnosis, or failure to act, medical records serve as vital evidence. Immediate treatment creates a clear timeline of symptoms, diagnoses, and interventions, helping to establish when the stroke occurred and whether proper protocols were followed.
