What Every Person Should Know About Stroke Symptoms

Each year, around 800,000 Americans have a stroke, a medical emergency that can have a debilitating effect on the brain and body. Knowing stroke symptoms is the first step toward protecting your health.

Eric Jackson on

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You may know someone who has experienced a stroke. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Strokes are the fifth most common cause of death among Americans and a leading cause of disability among those who survive. 

That’s why it’s important for every person to know the warning signs of stroke and what to do if you see someone having a stroke. Even if the symptoms don’t last long, medical attention is needed. 

What a Stroke Is

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted in some way. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes are by far the most common, causing nearly 90 percent of all strokes.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel responsible for carrying blood to the brain is blocked. When this blockage happens, the brain is deprived of essential oxygen and brain cells begin to die off. 

The second type of stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing a hemorrhage. The brain floods with blood, placing an excessive amount of pressure on brain cells that results in cell damage.

Both types of stroke are medical emergencies, and quick action is needed to limit damage to the brain.

The Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

When a stroke occurs, it’s important to call 911 so an ambulance can provide the patient with emergency medical attention during transport to the hospital. How can you know if someone is experiencing a stroke? 

There’s an acronym that can help you remember the signs and symptoms of stroke: BE FAST (balance, eyesight, face, arm, speech, time). If you think someone may be having a stroke, look for:

  • BALANCE: Is the person suffering from a sudden loss of balance or coordination? This also includes headaches or dizziness.
  • EYES: Does the person have sudden double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes? Sudden vision changes can be a symptom of stroke.
  • FACE: Ask the person to smile. You’re looking for a face droop, particularly on one side of the face. 
  • ARM: Ask the person to raise both arms. You’re looking for arm weakness, particularly on one side of the body. Pay attention to whether an arm drifts downward.
  • SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. You’re looking for difficulty understanding speech or using speech. Having slurred speech is also a notable stroke symptom.
  • TIME: Act fast. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to call 911. 

Prompt medical attention and intervention can help limit the effects of brain damage, so don’t wait.

Why a Mini-Stroke Is a Warning Sign

A mini-stroke is also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

A mini-stroke causes the same symptoms as identified above but usually lasts for only minutes. Like a full-blown ischemic stroke, a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked by a clot.

The difference is that when a mini-stroke occurs, the blockage is fleeting and usually resolves within a few minutes. 

A mini-stroke should be considered an emergency because it significantly increases the risk of having a full-blown stroke in the near future. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 1 in 5 people who have a TIA will have a stroke within 90 days, with almost half occurring within two days.

If you think you’ve had a mini-stroke, it’s important to be checked out by a medical provider, who can give you a full examination and order tests to check for brain damage and other indicators of a stroke. Seeing a medical provider within 24 hours after experiencing symptoms of a mini-stroke can help provide the most accurate picture of your brain health.

If it’s determined you have had a mini-stroke, a neurologist can create a plan to help you prevent future strokes, which may include lifestyle changes and medications such as blood thinners.

Listen to a Podcast

Most people have probably heard of a stroke or even know someone who has had one, but do you know what it really is, what to do if someone (including yourself) has one and how to prevent it? Nickie Miskell, RN, Stroke Program Coordinator at UM Capital Region Health, answers these questions and more.

Watch an Interview

Uncover essential strategies for stroke prevention, including risk management, healthy lifestyle choices, and early detection signs. In this podcast, Shellee Stine, RN, the Clinical Program Coordinator for the Primary Stroke Center at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, gives expert guidance on fortifying your health against strokes for a brighter tomorrow.

Watch a Webinar

A stroke occurs when the blood flow is cut off to any part of the brain. While some risk factors for stroke, such as age and family history, cannot be controlled, up to 80% of all strokes may be prevented through healthy living habits such as being active, losing weight, eating well and quitting smoking. Join a discussion with our experts to understand and learn more about how you can control and reduce your risk for stroke.

More to Read

Concerned about your stroke risk level and looking to reduce your chance of having a stroke?

The experts at the University of Maryland Medical System can help.

Find an Expert

Medically reviewed by Lindsay Goff, BSN, RN, NRP, Primary Stroke Program Coordinator at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health.

Posted by Eric Jackson

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