How to Spot a Stroke: The F.A.S.T. Test (Every Minute Counts)

A stroke is a medical emergency, and fast treatment matters. The C D C teaches one simple word to help you spot it, spelled F, A, S, T. Here's what each letter means.

1. F: Face

F is for face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

2. A: Arms

A is for arms. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

3. S: Speech

S is for speech. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred, or strange?

4. T: Time

T is for time. If you see any of these signs, call nine one one right away. Don't wait to see if they go away.

5. Other Sudden Signs

Other warning signs come on suddenly too. Numbness on one side, confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking or keeping balance, or a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

6. While You Wait

Note the time the symptoms started. Doctors use it to choose treatment. And don't drive them to the hospital yourself. Call an ambulance, so care can start on the way.