Signs of a Stroke: Act Fast with “BE FAST”
Public awareness of stroke warning signs is still low, with many people unable to identify more than one symptom.
Neurologists emphasize that while many know about facial drooping and limb weakness, there are other key signs that are just as important to recognize so you can act quickly if you suspect a stroke.
The acronym BE FAST can help you remember the six major warning signs.
BE FAST to spot the signs of a stroke
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
E – Eyes: Sudden vision problems, such as losing sight in one or both eyes, or double vision.
F – Face: Drooping facial features on one side of the face.
A – Arms (and legs): Weakness or numbness in a limb. If you raise both arms or legs and one drifts downward, it’s a warning sign.
S – Speech: Slurred words, difficulty speaking, or trouble understanding speech.
T – Time: Do not “wait and see.” Call Egypt’s emergency number 123 immediately.
Why speed matters
Stroke symptoms appear suddenly, not gradually. If these symptoms develop slowly over hours or days, they may point to other conditions (for example, Bell’s palsy can cause facial drooping, and migraines can cause double vision). But if they appear suddenly – especially together – suspect a stroke and act immediately.
During a stroke, the brain can lose up to 2 million brain cells every minute it is deprived of blood flow. The faster treatment begins, the better the chances for survival and recovery.
Why call for help instead of rushing yourself to the hospital?
Paramedics can assess the situation, provide initial treatment, and take you directly to a hospital that can handle stroke cases, reaching the right hospital quickly is essential for diagnosis and treatment.
If you think it’s a stroke, call 123 immediately. Every second counts.