Symptoms

Ischemic stroke causes a heart attack in an area of the brain. This means that the blood supply is stopped because of a blockage in an artery that reaches a specific area of the brain. The symptoms will depend on the area affected, but there are three symptoms that are common to all ischemic strokes. The best way to learn the symptoms to identify an ischemic stroke is through the mnemonic FAST. This acronym stands for: • Face drooping • Arm weakness • Speech difficulty • Time to call 911

Andrea Kamphuis, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

In the photo above, you can see the asymmetry in the patient’s facial expression. On one side, she can open her eye wide and expression lines can be seen, while on the other side, the mouth is fallen, the eye is halfway closed, and her forehead is not wrinkled. No matter what area of the brain is affected, these symptoms will always be present and must be recognized.

IF A STROKE IS SUSPECTED, IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY TO CALL 911.