Published on November 18, 2008

With a Stroke, Time is Everything

It's so important to be familiar with the signs of stroke. A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain - sometimes called a "brain attack." It can occur at any time without warning.

Here are the signs and symptoms of stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Learn the FAST method to recognize stroke symptoms:

F = FACE
Ask the person to smile; does one side of the face droop?
A = ARM
Ask the person to hold both arms outstretched; does one side drift downward?
S = SPEECH
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence; is his or her speech slurred?
T = TIME
If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, call 911 and transport the person to the nearest stroke center hospital.

For More Information

• Learn more about ProHealth Care's premier Stroke / TIA Clinic. 
• If you have any questions about stroke or stroke prevention, please call the ProHealth Care Stroke Program coordinator at (262) 928-8200.
• Visit our Health Encyclopedia for more information about stroke.