Stroke Signs You Should Never Ignore—And What to Do Immediately

It was just another Sunday afternoon when Ama noticed her husband Kofi slurring his speech and having difficulty raising his right arm. At first, she thought he was tired, but then she saw the right side of his face droop. She remembered the acronym FAST and called emergency services immediately. That call likely saved Kofi’s life.

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. The key to preventing permanent brain damage or death is to act quickly. This article will guide you through the most important signs of a stroke, how to respond immediately, and the best treatment options available.

What Is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. There are two main types:

• Ischemic stroke: Caused by a blocked artery (most common)
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Caused by a ruptured blood vessel

There’s also a condition called Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, where symptoms resolve within 24 hours but still require immediate medical attention.

Recognizing the Signs: Use the FAST Test
The FAST acronym is a simple way to remember the sudden signs of stroke and what to do.

Letter	Meaning	What to Look For
F	Face	Is one side drooping? Ask the person to smile.
A	Arms	Is one arm weak or numb? Ask them to raise both arms.
S	Speech	Is speech slurred or strange? Ask them to repeat a sentence.
T	Time	Time to call emergency services immediately.

If any one of these signs is present—even briefly—do not wait. Call 911 or your local emergency number.

Other Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore In addition to the FAST signs, strokes may also present with:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the leg (especially on one side)
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
• Confusion or trouble understanding speech

These symptoms can appear individually or in combination. Even if they go away, they may indicate a TIA—a serious warning sign of a future stroke.

What to Do Immediately

Step 1: Call Emergency Services (911 or local number)
Don’t drive the person to the hospital yourself unless there’s no alternative. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) can begin life-saving treatment en route and ensure fast triage on arrival.

Step 2: Note the Time of Symptom Onset
This is critical for treatment. Certain medications like clot-busting drugs (tPA) can only be given within a specific time window (usually 3–4.5 hours).

Step 3: Stay Calm and Keep the Person Safe
Lay them on their side if they are unconscious or vomiting. Do not give food, drink, or medication unless instructed.

 

What Happens in the ER Upon arrival, the patient will undergo:

• Immediate neurological assessment
• CT scan or MRI to distinguish stroke type
• Blood tests and ECG

Treatment Options:

• Ischemic stroke: Clot-busting medications (e.g., tPA), mechanical thrombectomy (removal of the clot)
• Hemorrhagic stroke: Surgical interventions, blood pressure control, and managing bleeding

Aftercare and Recovery Stroke survivors may face physical, speech, or cognitive challenges. Early and intensive rehabilitation is crucial.

Types of Rehab:

• Physical therapy for movement
• Speech therapy for communication
• Occupational therapy for daily activities

Preventing Another Stroke:

• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Diabetes care
• Quitting smoking
• Regular exercise and a healthy diet

Real-Life Outcome: Kofi’s Journey
Thanks to Ama’s quick thinking and knowledge of FAST, Kofi was treated with tPA just 90 minutes after his first symptoms. He made a full recovery and now works as a stroke awareness advocate. He monitors his blood pressure regularly, exercises, and speaks at community events about early recognition and emergency response.

Conclusion
Every second counts during a stroke. The faster the response, the better the chances of recovery. The FAST test is your best tool for recognizing a stroke early.

Don’t wait. Call emergency services, note the time, and get to a stroke-ready hospital. Knowing the signs and acting swiftly can save lives—maybe even your own.