A stroke can happen suddenly, but sometimes the body gives warning signs that should not be ignored.
Recognizing the early signs of a stroke—or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke”—can help someone get emergency treatment sooner and potentially reduce the risk of serious disability.
🚨 Know the B.E. F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
The American Stroke Association recommends remembering B.E. F.A.S.T.:
B — Balance
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking can be a warning sign.
E — Eyes
Sudden blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, should be taken seriously.
F — Face
Does one side of the face suddenly droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile and check whether the smile is uneven.
A — Arms
Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm—especially on one side of the body—is a major warning sign. Ask the person to raise both arms and see if one drifts downward.
S — Speech
Sudden slurred speech, difficulty speaking, confusion, or trouble understanding what someone is saying can indicate a stroke.
T — Time
If any of these symptoms appear, time is critical. Call 911 immediately. Even if the symptoms disappear, emergency medical evaluation is still necessary.
⚠️ What About Symptoms Before a Stroke?
Some people experience a TIA, which temporarily interrupts blood flow to part of the brain. TIA symptoms can look just like stroke symptoms but may disappear within minutes or hours.
A TIA should never be ignored. It can be a warning that a more serious stroke may follow.
However, there is no guaranteed list of symptoms that occurs exactly one month before a stroke. Symptoms such as unexplained arm or joint pain, skin changes, or other general symptoms should not automatically be considered signs of an upcoming stroke.
🧠 Other Sudden Symptoms to Watch For
A stroke can also cause:
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side
- Sudden confusion
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision problems
- Sudden dizziness or loss of coordination
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
🚑 Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Get Worse
Stroke treatment is extremely time-sensitive. The faster someone receives appropriate medical care, the better the chances of limiting brain damage and long-term disability.
If you or someone around you suddenly develops possible stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms go away.
Final Reminder
Knowing the warning signs takes only a few minutes, but it could help save a life.
