How to Spot Stroke Symptoms

Every minute counts when a person is having a stroke. A clot-busting drug administered within 3 hours of the onset of the stroke can limit the stroke disability. A simple 1 minute test can identify a stroke in progress and lead to timely medical treatment. The "F.A.S.T." test, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time, can help spot symptoms of a stroke.

Instructions

• 1

  Look at the face and ask the person to smile. Determine if the smile is crooked or if one side of the face appears to be paralysis or stiff. If the face does show a marked difference between the two sides, a stroke may be in progress. Call an ambulance and get the person to the hospital immediately.

• 2

  Ask the person to raise both arms and hold them at an equal level. If one arm cannot go as high as the other, or if there appears to be weakness in the arm, there may be a problem with motor function. The person may be having a stroke.

• 3

  Listen to the person say a simple sentence. A stroke may be happening if the speech is slurring or if the person is incoherent.

• 4

  Move quickly if any of the stroke symptoms appear. Time is critical. Get the person some medical attention as quickly as possible. Relay to the emergency operator the outcome of the stroke test.

• 5

  Pay attention to personal stroke symptoms. Other symptoms of stroke include dimness or loss of vision in one eye; sudden, severe headache and unexplained dizziness or instability.