If you think someone may be having a stoke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:

F – FACE:  Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?

A – ARMS:  Ask the person to raise both arms.  Does one arm drift downward?

S – SPEECH:  Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?

T – TIME:   If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1
immediately.

Note the time when any symptoms first appear.  Some treatments for stroke only work if given in the first 3 hours after symptoms appear.  Do not drive to the hospital or let someone else drive you.  Call an ambulance so that medical personnel can begin lifesaving treatment on the way to the emergency room.

Signs of Stroke in Men and Women

1.  Sudden numbness of weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

2.  Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

3.  Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

4.  Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.

5.  Sudden severe headache with no known cause.