Stroke Warning Signs: B.E. F.A.S.T., TIAs and Silent Stroke Explained
Stroke is a medical emergency. If someone suddenly has weakness, trouble speaking, vision loss, loss of balance or an extremely severe unexplained headache, call local emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve or drive yourself to the hospital.
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance, coordination or difficulty walking.
- Eyes: Sudden vision loss or significant visual changes.
- Face: Sudden facial drooping or numbness, especially on one side.
- Arms: Sudden arm weakness or numbness, especially on one side.
- Speech: Slurred speech, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Time: Call emergency services immediately and note when symptoms began or when the person was last known well.
Other sudden warning signs include numbness or weakness of one leg or side of the body, confusion, or an unusually severe headache without a known cause. Not every person has every symptom.
What if the symptoms disappear?
Symptoms that resolve may indicate a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA still requires emergency evaluation. Do not assume that improvement means it is safe to wait.
What does “silent stroke” mean?
A silent stroke is a stroke-related brain injury that occurred without obvious recognizable symptoms at the time and may be found later on imaging. It is not a condition diagnosed by counting 10 mild symptoms. Sudden facial droop or speech trouble is not “silent”: it may be an acute stroke.
What to do while help is coming
- Call emergency services and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Record the time the person was last known well.
- Stay with the person and monitor their condition.
- Do not give food, drink or medicine unless emergency professionals direct you to.
Reducing stroke risk
Controlling blood pressure, not smoking, being physically active, and managing conditions such as diabetes or atrial fibrillation with professional guidance can reduce risk. Follow prescribed treatment and discuss individual risks with your clinician.
General educational information, not medical advice. Seek emergency care for possible stroke symptoms.
