Think FAST: How to Spot a Stroke and Save a Life

A stroke can happen in an instant, changing a life forever. It is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells begin to die rapidly.

This is why recognizing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is critical, say experts with Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care. For World Stroke Day on October 29, they share the signs you should look for if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

What is a Stroke?

There are two main types of stroke, according to Felipe De Los Rios La Rosa, M.D., a cerebrovascular neurologist and director of the stroke program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute.

“Stroke is usually caused by either a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke),” explains Dr. De Los Rios. “When brain cells are cut off from their vital blood supply, they begin to die within minutes.”

The longer the brain goes without oxygen, the greater the damage – leading to possible paralysis, speech difficulties, cognitive changes or even death. Immediate medical treatment is critical to minimize lasting effects and improve the chances of recovery, Dr. De Los Rios says.

“’Time is brain.’ For every minute that a stroke is untreated, millions of brain cells are lost,” he notes. “Quick recognition and immediate medical attention are the most important factors in a successful outcome.”

Think FAST if You Suspect a Stroke

The key to remembering and identifying the most common signs of a stroke is to think “FAST,” says Brian Snelling, M.D., a neurosurgeon and director of the stroke program at Marcus Neuroscience Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

“The ‘FAST’ acronym is a powerful tool because it simplifies stroke recognition for the public,” Dr. Snelling says. Thinking “FAST” means:

F – Face Drooping
One side of the face may suddenly droop or feel numb. A simple way to check this is to ask the person to smile. Does one side of the smile appear uneven or droop downwards? This is a telltale sign that something is wrong.

A – Arm Weakness
Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm is another common symptom. You can test this by asking the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or they are unable to lift one arm, it could indicate a stroke. The weakness can also affect a leg, typically on the same side of the body as the affected arm.

S – Speech Difficulty
A person having a stroke may have slurred speech, be unable to speak, or have difficulty being understood. They might also seem confused or have trouble understanding what you are saying. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence, like “The sky is blue.” If they struggle with this task, it’s a major red flag.

T – Time to Call 911
If you observe any of these signs, even if they seem to go away, it’s time to call 911 immediately. Note the time the first symptoms appeared. This information is crucial for medical professionals, as it can influence treatment decisions. “Recognizing these signs and calling for emergency help without delay gives the patient the best possible chance to receive time-sensitive treatments,” Dr. Snelling emphasizes.

A Local Story of Quick Action

The importance of this quick thinking was recently highlighted when Todd Meiklejohn, 58, an active and fit resident of Kendall, collapsed while getting ready to head off for an early-morning meeting at work.

His wife found him slumped on the bathroom floor and noticed that he couldn’t speak or move his right arm and leg. She immediately called 911. Within minutes, paramedics arrived and whisked him to Baptist Health Baptist Hospital, one of the region’s few comprehensive stroke centers.

A team of emergency physicians and nurses specially trained in rapid-response stroke care, along with neurologic specialists from Miami Neuroscience Institute, quickly assessed Mr. Meiklejohn and determined that he had suffered a major stroke. He underwent an emergency thrombectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the clot from his brain.

Today, only a few months after his stroke, Mr. Meiklejohn is back at work and has made a remarkable recovery with minimal long-term effects. “His case is a perfect example of the system working as it should,” explains Dr. De Los Rios. “From the family member recognizing the symptoms to the rapid response of EMS and Baptist’s stroke team to the skill and expertise of the neurosurgeons at Miami Neuroscience Institute, every step was critical.”

Other Stroke Symptoms to Know

While FAST covers the most common indicators, a stroke can present in other ways. Dr. Snelling says people should be aware of these sudden-onset symptoms:

• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Confusion or trouble understanding speech.

• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

• Trouble walking, dizziness, or a loss of balance and coordination.

• A severe headache with no known cause.

Any of these symptoms warrant an immediate call to 911, Dr. Snelling stresses.

The Broader Impact of Stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and serious long-term disability in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Every year, nearly 800,000 people experience a stroke – one every 40 seconds – and roughly 165,000 people die from stroke. There are about 7.8 million U.S. adults living with a history of stroke.

For hundreds of thousands of those stroke survivors, they face serious long-term disability. Stroke reduces mobility in more than 50% of those aged 65 and older, which experts say can lead to a cascade of other health issues.

The impact of stroke extends far beyond the individual, placing a significant emotional and practical burden on family members and caregivers. Spouses, children and friends often step into new roles, providing physical assistance, managing medications and offering emotional support.

“This care can be demanding, requiring immense patience and resilience as loved ones navigate the challenges of recovery,” Dr. Snelling notes. “The support system around a stroke survivor is just as critical as the medical team.”

What to Do If You Suspect a Stroke

If you believe someone is having a stroke, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to drive the person or yourself to the hospital. Emergency medical services can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital and will ensure the person is taken to the most appropriate medical center.

2. Note the time. Carefully observe when the first symptoms appeared. This is a critical piece of information for the medical team.

3. Keep the person safe. If they are conscious, help them into a comfortable and safe position. Lying them on their side with their head slightly elevated can be helpful if they are nauseous.

A stroke is a true medical emergency but by remembering the FAST acronym and acting without hesitation, you become the first and most important link in the chain of survival. In a moment of crisis, your quick thinking can change the course of a life, turning a potential tragedy into a story of survival.

For more information about Baptist Health stroke services, click here.