If you think you might be having a stroke, you should act “FAST,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests.

FAST is an acronym to help identify a stroke before being able to make it to a doctor or hospital. It stands for face, arms, speech and time, alluding to common stroke symptoms.

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death for Americans and a leading cause of long-term disability. Each year, approximately 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke, 610,000 of which are first-time strokes.

It occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures, causing parts of the brain to become damaged or die.

Onset symptoms, which are sudden, may include:

* Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body

* Confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding speech

* Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

* Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination.

Act ‘FAST’

The CDC recommends the following “test,” with the help of someone nearby if possible, to identify a stroke and urges patients to seek medical attention.

* Face: Smile to test if your face droops on one side.

* Arms: Raise both arms to see if one arm is drifting downward.

* Speech: Repeat a simple phrase to determine if speech is slurred.

* Timing: Stroke treatments work best within three hours of the first symptoms, so call 911 immediately if you have any of these signs.

RELATED: How to PREVENT a Stroke

Written by Ashley N. Soriano for NewsNation ~ April 20, 2025

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