Act F.A.S.T: Knowing the Signs of a Stroke
October 23, 2025 | Tags:
Every 40 seconds – that’s how often someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Strokes affect the arteries leading to and within the brain. Every second counts when someone is having a stroke, so knowing how to spot the signs can make all the difference in getting emergency help fast.
What is a stroke?
A stroke – also sometimes called a “brain attack” – is a medical emergency that happens when a blockage in the brain blocks blood flow, ultimately depriving the brain of oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes parts of the brain to become damaged or die. There are different types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke: Occurs when a blood clot blocks flow in an artery within the brain.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also known as a “mini stroke” or a “warning stroke,” occurs due to a temporary blockage.
- Hemorrhagic stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel bursts within the brain, causing a hemorrhage, or bleed.
Learn to “be fast” with stroke warning signs
There are warning signs of a stroke that you can spot. Knowing the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T can help you remember:
- B = Balance loss: Ask the person to stand. Notice if they can’t or have trouble staying on their feet, including being dizzy.
- E = Eyesight changes: Ask the person if they have blurred vision or are “seeing double” in one or both eyes.
- F = Face drooping: Ask the person to smile. Notice if one or both sides of the face droops or is numb.
- A = Arm weakness: Ask the person to raise their arms. Notice if one or both arms drifts downward due to weakness or numbness.
- S = Speech difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” Notice if the person’s speech is slurred, or they have trouble choosing words.
- T = Time to call 911: A stroke is an emergency and every second counts. Call 911 immediately when you notice someone exhibiting any signs or symptoms of a stroke. Check time so you can tell medical personnel when symptoms first started.
Call 911 immediately if any of the above signs are present. Also be aware of other symptoms associated with a stroke, such as:
- Severe headache that’s sudden and with no known cause.
- Having trouble understanding others or speaking coherently.
- Appearing confused or agitated.
- Having trouble seeing or walking.
- Experiencing numbness on the face, arms, legs or a specific side of the body.
Know your risk factors of a stroke
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. There are some groups that have a higher risk, including those who:
- Are older than 65.
- Smoke or use other forms of tobacco or nicotine, like vaping.
- Use recreational or nonprescription drugs.
Certain health conditions can also increase your risk of a stroke. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about your stroke risk if you have:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Frequent migraine headaches
- Blood disorders, like sickle cell
- Obesity
Women also face a higher risk as stroke is the third leading cause of death and one in five between the ages of 55 and 75 will have a stroke.
Preventing a stroke (or a second stroke)
Approximately 80% of strokes are preventable. By maintaining your overall health and wellness, you can reduce your risk of having a stroke or preventing another, which is especially important as around one in four stroke survivors will experience another stroke. There are several ways you can reduce your risk, including:
- Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Reducing blood sugar.
- Changing your nutritional habits.
- Stop smoking, using tobacco or vaping.
- Being more active.
- Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you.
You can view more prevention steps with this checklist.
Every second counts with a stroke
Strokes are life-threatening and can be fatal, but they’re largely treatable if the person gets the right treatment, right away. Your readiness to spot the warning signs of a stroke and act fast can save someone’s life. If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Talk to your PCP about your chances of having a stroke, including your age and if anyone in your family has had a stroke. If you don’t have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.