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Health Information and Tools > Patient Care Handouts >  Learning About FAST: Stroke Warning Signs

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Learning About FAST: Stroke Warning Signs

FAST is a simple way to remember the main symptoms of stroke. These symptoms happen suddenly. So learning what to look for helps you know when to call for medical help. FAST stands for:

  • F - Face. Weakness or drooping on one side of the face.

  • A - Arm. Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg.

  • S - Speech. Trouble speaking.

  • T - Time to call 911. Also call 911 if you have other stroke symptoms. They include:

    • Loss of balance or trouble walking.
    • Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.
    • Sudden confusion.
    • Sudden trouble understanding simple statements.
    • Fainting.
    • A seizure.
    • A sudden, severe headache.

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or is blocked by a blood clot. The blood supply to part of the brain—and the oxygen the blood carries—is reduced. This damages the brain.

If you have a stroke, quick treatment may save your life. And it may reduce the damage in your brain so that you have fewer problems after the stroke.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter E640 in the search box to learn more about "Learning About FAST: Stroke Warning Signs".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.