Spotting stroke signs and symptoms

Only 38% of adults in the United States can recognize all major signs of a stroke and know to call 911.¹ When a stroke happens, every minute counts. The faster a person suffering from a stroke can get help, the better their chances of recovery.² This is why it’s very important to recognize the signs and act quickly.

“F.A.S.T. stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. It’s a simple way to remember the most common signs of a stroke,” explained Daniel Perez Schwartz, MD, a neurologist at Optum NY/NJ.³

• F stands for Face drooping. If one side of the face is drooping or numb, a person will have a very uneven smile.

• A stands for Arm weakness. If one arm is weak or numb, a person will struggle to move or lift that arm.

• S stands for Speech difficulty. If the person’s speech is slurred or they have trouble speaking or may struggle to repeat a simple sentence.

• T stands for Time to call 911. If any of these signs are present, even if they go away, call 911 right away.

Other sudden signs to watch for include³: Numbness or weakness on one side of the body, feeling confused, trouble talking or understanding others, vision problems, trouble walking, dizziness, losing balance or coordination and a bad headache with no clear cause. These symptoms can be signs of a stroke, and it’s important to get medical help right away.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of a stroke, don’t wait. Call 911 right away. If you have a family history of stroke or have a risk of stroke, you can visit a neurologist for preventative stroke care.⁴

“Neurologists at Optum work with your health care team to also focus on preventing future strokes by managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, and by educating patients on lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk.” Explained Dr. Schwartz.⁴

Optum Medical Care provides comprehensive primary and specialty care to residents across the New York and New Jersey region. Our Neurology team is here to help with advanced stroke care and treatment. We have the expertise and resources to provide the best possible care, so you can focus on recovery and getting back to your life.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stroke Facts. Last updated October 24, 2024. Accessed April 7, 2025.
2. American Stroke Association. Stroke Symptoms. Accessed April 7, 2025.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Last updated October 24, 2024. Accessed April 7, 2025.
4. American Stroke Association. Risk Factors Under Your Control. Last updated October 8, 2023. Accessed April 7, 2025