VIDEO: F.A.S.T. Test For Strokes

Although the symptoms of a stroke aren’t something many of us talk about, it’s surprising to know that a stroke happens about every 40 seconds in America. In fact, around 795,000 Americans suffer from a stroke each year.

If you know the warning signs and can catch a stroke early on, it’s possible to prevent serious or permanent damage. For example, if you get quick enough treatment, you may temporarily lose the ability to speak, or have partial or complete weakness in a limb, but you’ll recover in time.

If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do this

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. If given within three hours of the first symptom, there is an FDA-approved clot-buster medication that may reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

Learn as many stroke symptoms as possible so you can recognize stroke as FAST as possible.