A stroke can happen in an instant, but your body often sends warning signs first. In this video, we go through seven signs you should never ignore, including high blood pressure that stays high, brief “mini-strokes” (TIAs) whose symptoms come and go, an irregular heartbeat from atrial fibrillation, sudden vision changes, a sudden severe headache, dizziness or loss of balance, and numbness or weakness on one side of the body. Knowing these signs can help you act quickly for yourself or someone you love.
You’ll also learn the BE FAST method, a simple way to spot a stroke as it happens: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes may be preventable through habits like managing blood pressure, staying active, eating well, not smoking, and keeping up with regular checkups.
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.