3 (three) Signs You May Be Having a Stroke—and What to Do About It

When it comes to strokes, time is everything. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cells to die within minutes. Recognizing the early warning signs can make the difference between recovery and long-term disability, or even life and death.

Here are three major signs that you might be experiencing a stroke:

1. Sudden Trouble Speaking or Understanding
   If your speech becomes slurred, you’re struggling to find words, or you suddenly can’t understand what others are saying, this could be a sign of a stroke. It often comes on without warning.
2. Facial Drooping
   Try smiling in a mirror. If one side of your face droops or feels numb, that’s a red flag. This is one of the most recognizable signs, especially when paired with difficulty speaking.
3. Arm Weakness or Numbness
   Raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or feels weak and unresponsive, it could be due to a stroke. Numbness or weakness often affects one side of the body.

What to Do:

Call 911 immediately.
Don’t wait to see if symptoms improve.Even if they go away quickly, you could be having a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a warning sign of a larger stroke coming soon.

Don’t drive yourself. Emergency medical services can begin life-saving care before you reach the hospital.

Note the time. Knowing when symptoms began is crucial for doctors to determine treatment options, such as clot-busting drugs, which are most effective within the first few hours.

The faster you act, the better your chances of recovery. Remember the acronym FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.