Recognizing the Signs of a Stroke

You could save someone’s life. Every minute counts during a stroke. In fact, they say that “Time lost is brain lost.”

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Following a stroke, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million per minute. The quicker blood flow is restored, the better the chances of surviving with few or no aftereffects.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below or you see someone experiencing those symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

FAST is an easy way to remember the common symptoms of a stroke:

F Face—Is one side of the face drooping or numb?
A Arm Weakness—Can you lift both arms normally?
S Speech Difficulties—Is speech slurred?
T Time Counts—Call 9-1-1!

Do not drive your car to the hospital or to transport someone who has had a stroke. The ambulance will take you to the nearest hospital providing the best care in the case of a stroke.
Appropriate treatments can reduce the severity of a stroke and reverse some of its effects, but only if they are administered as quickly as possible.

Other Signs of a Stroke 

FAST represents the most common and characteristic symptoms of a stroke, which are difficult to attribute to other conditions. Other, less common, symptoms of a stroke include:

• Trouble seeing (blurred or double vision);
• Severe and sudden headache (generally occurring at the same time as other symptoms);
• Numbness (often only on one side of the body);
• Loss of balance.

Strokes are among the leading causes of death and disability in Canadian adults. More than 878 000 people are living with the aftereffects of a stroke, and more than 108 000 people have a stroke each year. That’s one every five minutes.

We can all help to prevent strokes. Share the signs and help to save lives. For more information, check out heartandstroke.ca/stroke/signs-of-stroke.