What are the signs of a stroke?

The recognition of stroke symptoms is crucial for timely medical intervention, which can significantly affect outcomes for individuals experiencing a stroke. The signs of a stroke commonly include facial drooping, arm weakness, and difficulties with speech.

Facial drooping occurs when one side of the face appears lower than the other, often noticed when the person is asked to smile. Arm weakness can be assessed by asking the individual to raise both arms; a noticeable deviation or inability to raise one arm indicates a potential stroke. Speech difficulties may manifest as slurred or incoherent speech, and the individual might struggle to articulate words clearly.

These specific signs—often grouped under the acronym FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time)—are used to quickly assess whether someone may be having a stroke and to prompt immediate action. Recognizing these symptoms ensures that the person receives urgent care, which is critical because strokes can lead to severe brain damage or death if not treated promptly.