Stroke symptoms can appear suddenly and without warning. A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. It is one of the leading causes of serious disability and death.
Recognizing the warning signs of stroke quickly can help save a life. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery and reduced brain damage.
At Banner Health, our stroke care team is available 24/7 to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment when every second counts.
Stroke symptoms often start suddenly. Warning signs may include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Quick treatment can help reduce brain damage and improve recovery.
One of the easiest ways to remember stroke symptoms is the acronym BE FAST.
B – Balance
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking.
E – Eyes
Sudden blurred vision or vision loss in one or both eyes.
F – Face drooping
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
A – Arm weakness
Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak?
S – Speech difficulty
Speech may be slurred, hard to understand or the person may struggle to speak.
T – Time to call 911
If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.
Rapid treatment can improve outcomes and reduce long-term disability.
Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected and the type of stroke involved.
Most strokes fall into two main categories:
Some people may experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary blockage that produces stroke-like symptoms but resolves quickly. A TIA is a serious warning sign that a full stroke could occur soon.
Learn more about the types of stroke and how they differ.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a mini stroke. It happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked.
TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms but usually last only minutes or hours.
Common symptoms include:
Even if symptoms disappear quickly, a TIA requires immediate medical care because it can signal a future stroke.
Not all strokes look the same. Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected.
Other possible warning signs include:
Some strokes can cause subtle or mild symptoms, sometimes called silent strokes. Even mild symptoms may signal brain injury and require emergency care.
If symptoms appear suddenly, call 911 immediately.
Women can experience the same common stroke symptoms as men, but they may also have less typical warning signs.
These may include:
If symptoms appear suddenly or something feels very wrong, seek emergency care immediately.
Learn more about stroke risk factors and prevention for women.
Stroke symptoms in older adults may sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions or normal aging.
Possible warning signs include:
Even subtle symptoms should be taken seriously. Call 911 if stroke is suspected.
During a stroke, brain cells begin to die due to lack of oxygen. Experts estimate that nearly two million brain cells may be lost every minute during a stroke.
Fast treatment can:
Recognizing symptoms quickly and calling 911 can make a critical difference.
Call 911 immediately if you notice any signs of stroke, even if symptoms seem mild or go away.
Do not drive yourself or someone else to the hospital. Emergency responders can begin treatment on the way and take the patient to a hospital equipped to treat stroke.
Delaying care, even by minutes, can lead to more serious brain damage.
If someone may be having a stroke:
If you are experiencing symptoms yourself, try to remain awake and alert until help arrives.
Paramedics will evaluate symptoms and begin care immediately. They will transport you to a hospital with stroke specialists.
Doctors may use imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to determine the type of stroke and guide treatment.
Learn more about stroke diagnosis and treatment.
Recovery after stroke varies from person to person. Some people recover fully, while others may need ongoing rehabilitation.
Recovery may include:
Learn more about stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Banner Health provides comprehensive stroke care from emergency treatment through recovery.
As a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, our team provides advanced stroke care around the clock.
Our stroke program includes:
When stroke happens, speed and experience matter. Banner Health provides expert care when every second counts.
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