BE FAST: Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

BE FAST is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke.

When you see these signs, you will know that you need to call 911 fast.

BE FAST stands for:

B – Balance. Has the person had a sudden loss of balance?

E – Eyes. Changes in vision such as sudden, painless loss of sight or double vision.

F – Face drooping. One side of the face is drooping or numb. When the person smiles, the smile is uneven.

A – Arm weakness. One arm is weak or numb. When the person lifts both arms at the same time, one arm may drift downward.

S – Speech difficulty. You may see slurred speech or difficulty speaking. The person can't repeat a simple sentence correctly when asked.

T – Time to call 911. If someone shows any of these symptoms, call 911 right away. Call even if the symptom goes away. Make note of the time the symptoms first appeared.

With a shared vision of providing high-quality, patient-centered neuroscience care to the Eastside and beyond, Overlake and EvergreenHealth have joined forces to form the Eastside Neuroscience Institute to deliver comprehensive care from top providers in the Pacific Northwest. Visit eastsideneuroinstitute.org to learn more.