Stroke Recognition · Act Immediately
BE FAST
If you notice even one of these signs — in yourself or someone you love — don't wait to see if it passes. Every minute matters.
The six signs
B
Balance
Sudden loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, or trouble walking.
E
Eyes
Sudden blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
F
Face
One side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask them to smile — does it look uneven?
A
Arm
One arm feels weak or numb. Ask them to raise both arms — does one drift downward?
S
Speech
Speech is slurred or strange, or they can't repeat a simple sentence correctly.
T
Time
Call 911 immediately. Note the exact time symptoms started — it determines which treatments are still possible.
Even if symptoms disappear, call 911 and seek emergency evaluation. A brief episode can be a warning sign of a larger stroke coming.
Women can have atypical signs, too: sudden hiccups, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath, general weakness, or a sudden change in behavior or alertness. Trust what feels wrong — call 911.
Any one sign — call 911
Do not drive them yourself · Note the time symptoms began · Stay with them until help arrives
Call 911 now
Post it where it's needed
Print this in color and hang it somewhere visible — a kitchen, hallway, or caregiver station — for parents, care recipients, or nursing home staff to see.
Download the printable poster (PDF)