Recognizing Stroke Knowing the signs and symptoms of stroke can save your life or the life of someone else. Even if symptoms go away, do not ignore. Symptoms may vary for each person but if you or someone else may be having a stroke, remember F.A.S.T. FOUR LETTERS:F-A-S-T THREE NUMBERS:9-1-1 Use the letters in “FAST” to spot stroke signs and know when to call 9-1-1. F - A - S - T F FACE DROOPING Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven or lopsided? A ARM WEAKNESS Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S SPEECH DIFFICULTY Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or difficult to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is the person able to repeat the words correctly? T TIME TO CALL 9-1-1 If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 immediately. Time is important! Note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Sometimes other symptoms appear separately or in combination with F.A.S.T. signs. Additional sudden symptoms may include: Balance disorder- trouble walking, dizziness, loss of coordination Blurred vision (or vision loss) - trouble seeing in one or both eyes Severe headache with no known cause Numbness or weakness on one side of the body – face, arm, leg Skip Menu Navigate: Select to Navigate... - Neurology - Procedures & Conditions -- Brain & Spine Tumors -- Concussion -- Epilepsy & Seizures -- Parkinson's & Movement Disorders -- Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune -- Memory Disorders, Alzheimer's & Dementia -- Neuromuscular Disorders -- Stroke --- What is Stroke --- Did you know: The Truth About Stroke --- Recognizing Stroke --- Treatments & Prevention --- Stroke Care at UTMB --- Survivorship and Support -- Traumatic Brain Injury -- Neurotrauma & Critical Care -- Neuroendovascular / Neurointerventional Surgery -- Telestroke Consultations - Neurosurgery - Meet the Team - Back to Neurosciences Neurology Procedures & Conditions Brain & Spine Tumors Concussion Epilepsy & Seizures Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Multiple Sclerosis & Autoimmune Memory Disorders, Alzheimer's & Dementia Neuromuscular Disorders Stroke What is Stroke Did you know: The Truth About Stroke Recognizing Stroke Treatments & Prevention Stroke Care at UTMB Survivorship and Support Traumatic Brain Injury Neurotrauma & Critical Care Neuroendovascular / Neurointerventional Surgery Telestroke Consultations Neurosurgery Meet the Team Back to Neurosciences Request Appointment