Strokes strike without warning, and rapid response can mean the difference between recovery and permanent damage. Vascular neurologist Dr. Brandon Giglio of NYU Langone Health explains that the first sign of a stroke is the stroke itself—there are no pre‑stroke alerts.

BE FAST: A Simple Checklist

The BE FAST acronym helps you remember the most common warning signs and encourages immediate action.

• B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance, trouble walking, or unsteady coordination may signal a stroke. Primary‑care physician Dr. Erin Hansen notes that difficulty with coordination or a sudden wobble should raise concern.
• E – Eyes: Vision changes such as sudden loss of sight in one or both eyes, double vision, or blurry vision are red flags.
• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. One‑sided facial drooping or asymmetry is a classic sign.
• A – Arm: Weakness or inability to raise one arm, or a drifting arm, points to a possible stroke.
• S – Speech: Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or an inability to speak at all are warning signs. Trouble understanding others also warrants attention.
• T – Time: Time is brain. Call 911 immediately. Prompt medical evaluation can determine the stroke type and begin appropriate treatment.

When to Call 911

Both Dr. Giglio and Dr. Hansen agree that dialing 911 is the safest first step. Paramedics can assess vital signs, identify the nearest stroke‑ready emergency department, and begin rapid transport.

It is a common misconception that home treatment with aspirin is appropriate. Strokes come in two forms: hemorrhagic (bleeding) and ischemic (clot). About 87% are ischemic, but giving aspirin during a hemorrhagic stroke could worsen bleeding. Only professionals can determine the type through imaging.

Understanding Mini‑Strokes

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called “mini‑strokes,” cause temporary stroke‑like symptoms that resolve within minutes to hours. Although they may seem minor, TIAs increase the risk of a full stroke—roughly one‑third of TIA patients experience a stroke later. Dr. Giglio emphasizes that anyone who has had a TIA should discuss preventive medication with their doctor.

Bottom Line

If you notice any combination of balance loss, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty, act without delay. Call 911, stay with the person, and let emergency responders handle the assessment and treatment. Early intervention gives the brain the best chance to recover.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.