Stroke Signs and Symptoms

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. It’s one of the leading causes of serious disability and death, but quick action can save a life. When you know the warning signs of a stroke, you’re more likely to recognize the symptoms and get help fast.

At Banner Brain & Spine, our stroke care team is available 24/7 to provide immediate, expert care when every second counts. Whether it’s you or someone near you, don’t wait. Learn how to spot the signs of a stroke.

BE FAST: Stroke warning signs and symptoms

When it comes to stroke, every second counts. The sooner you get help, the better your chances of recovery. 

The easiest way to remember the most common stroke symptoms is the acronym BE FAST:

• B – Balance: Is the person suddenly dizzy or having trouble walking?
• E – Eyes: Is their vision blurry or lost in one or both eyes?
• F – Face drooping: Ask them to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – Arm weakness: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down?
• S – Speech difficulty: Are their words slurred or hard to understand?
• T – Time to call 911: If any of these signs are present, call 911 right away.

Even if symptoms go away, it could be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. A TIA is a serious warning that a full stroke could happen soon. You still need to get medical care right away. Learn more about TIA and other types of stroke.

Other common stroke symptoms

Not all strokes look the same. The symptoms can vary from person to person. In addition to the BE FAST signs, a stroke may also cause:

• Loss of sensation or weakness in the face, arm or leg, often affecting only one side of the body
• Difficultly speaking clearly or understanding what others are saying
• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance or trouble walking
• A sudden, intense headache with no known cause
• Problems swallowing

These symptoms usually start suddenly. One moment you feel fine and the next something feels very wrong. Don’t wait to see if it gets better. Call 911 immediately.

Stroke symptoms in women

Women can have the same stroke symptoms as men, but they may also experience signs that are harder to recognize. These include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Sudden and severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting or hiccups
• Racing heart rate
• Sudden pain in the face, arm or leg

If something feels off or comes on suddenly, take it seriously. Don’t ignore the signs. Get help right away. Learn more about the signs and risk factors of stroke in women and steps you can take to prevent them.

Stroke symptoms in older adults

Older adults may confuse symptoms with other signs of aging or health issues. But they should never be ignored. In older adults, stroke symptoms may include:

• Memory loss or sudden confusion
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Sudden dizziness or repeated falls
• General weakness or fainting

These signs can be subtle but a stroke is always serious. If you suspect a stroke, call 911.

Why every second matters

When it comes to stroke, time is everything. During a stroke, your brain loses nearly two million brain cells every minute. The faster you get medical treatment, the better your chances of recovery. 

Quick action can:

• Stop brain damage from getting worse
• Help you get clot-busting medication
• Improve your ability to speak, move and think after a stroke
• Save your life

When to call 911

If you notice even one sign of stroke, call 911 right away. Do not drive yourself or someone else to the hospital. Emergency responders can begin treatment on the way and will take you to a hospital with stroke specialists. 

Delaying care, even by a few minutes, can cause further damage. Remember: every second counts.

What to do while you wait for help

If someone is having a stroke and you’re waiting for help to arrive:

• Keep the person safe and calm
• Note the time you first noticed symptoms (this helps the stroke care team determine the best treatment)
• Do not give food, water or medication unless instructed to do so by medical staff
• Stay by their side and reassure them that help is on the way

If you are the one experiencing symptoms, try to stay alert and awake until help arrives.

What happens after you call 911

Once paramedics arrive, they’ll check your symptoms, start care and take you to a stroke-ready hospital. At the hospital, health care specialists will use imaging, like a CT scan or MRI, to see what kind of stroke you’re having.

Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Medication to break up a blood clot (if you’re having an ischemic stroke)
• A procedure to remove the clot
• Surgery or other care to stop bleeding (for hemorrhagic strokes)

Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

Life after a stroke

Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people recover fully, while others may require speech therapy, physical therapy or other services, as well as long-term care.

What’s important is getting treatment quickly and starting recovery as soon as possible. At Banner Brain & Spine, we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way. Learn more about recovery and rehab.

Why should I choose Banner Brain & Spine for stroke care?

As a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center, we’re ready to treat strokes every minute of every day. Our stroke program provides expert care from diagnosis through recovery, all within a single system of care. 

We provide:

• Stroke-ready emergency departments with 24/7 availability
• Advanced brain imaging to detect blockages or bleeding
• A specially trained stroke team that acts fast and follows proven treatment protocols
• Personalized care based on your type of stroke
• Stroke rehabilitation services to help you recover and regain independence

We know that stroke care is all about speed, precision and experience. That’s why so many people trust Banner Brain & Spine to deliver the care they need when it matters most.

Find a Banner Brain & Spine specialist near you.