Use the letters in F.A.S.T to recognize a Stroke

F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911

Other Stroke Symptoms: weakness on one side of the body, confusion, vision problems, difficulty walking, dizziness, and severe headaches. 

If you had a stroke, you are at risk of another stroke. These are the steps you can take to prevent another stroke. 

• Keep your blood pressure under control
• Get tested to see if you have atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Avoid smoking.
• Lower your cholesterol 
• Get your blood sugar under control if you have diabetes
• Exercise daily
• Eat a heart-healthy diet 

The medical condition transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also called a mini-stroke. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a stroke. TIA are defined as a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction.  

With a stroke, the symptoms persist or may become permanent. The term mini-stroke does not mean you should ignore its significance. Rather a TIA is often a precursor to a major stroke.  Call 911 and visit the nearest emergency department if you experience a TIA.