Use the FAST acronym — and add two more critical signs:
🅵 F = Face Drooping
One side of the face sags or feels numb
Ask them to smile — is it lopsided?
🅰️ A = Arm Weakness
One arm drifts downward when raised
“My arm just gave out,” they might say
🅢️ S = Speech Difficulty
Slurred speech, confusion, or trouble finding words
May seem drunk — but hasn’t had alcohol
🅩️ T = Time to Call Emergency Services
Even if symptoms go away — call 911 immediately
💡 Newer guidelines also include:
V = Vision Loss – Sudden blurry or lost vision in one eye
H = Headache & Dizziness – Especially if sudden and severe
L = Loss of Balance or Coordination – Unexplained stumbling or falling
📌 Remember: Time is brain. Every minute, 1.9 million neurons die during a stroke.
❌ Debunking the Myths About TIAs
❌ “If symptoms go away, it wasn’t serious”
False — a disappearing symptom is still a medical emergency
❌ “Only older people get TIAs”
No — risk starts rising at 55, but younger adults can be affected too
❌ “It’s just stress or fatigue”
Dangerous myth — never dismiss sudden neurological changes
❌ “No treatment needed since there’s no damage”
Wrong — immediate evaluation can prevent a deadly stroke
🩺 Who Is at Higher Risk?
✅ High Blood Pressure
#1 cause of stroke — damages blood vessels over time
✅ Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Irregular heartbeat increases clot risk
✅ Diabetes
Accelerates blood vessel damage
✅ Smoking
Narrows arteries and raises blood pressure
✅ High Cholesterol
Contributes to plaque buildup in arteries
✅ Previous TIA or Stroke
Highest predictor of future events
🩺 The good news? Up to 80% of strokes are preventable with proper care.
✅ What Happens After a TIA?
If someone has a suspected TIA, they need urgent medical evaluation — same day if possible.
