How to recognize a stroke: Remember the BE FAST warning signs

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., had a stroke on Saturday, but his office says his prognosis is excellent. His experience underscores why it is so important to know the warning signs of a stroke.

The American Stroke Association says the six letters in the acronym BE FAST can help save lives and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.

Murphy, 53, showed the “A” for arm weakness, feeling numbness in one arm while attending his son's hockey game, according to a statement from his staff. They also said he moved quickly to get medical care, which reflects the “T” for time.

Getting checked by medical professionals as quickly as possible gives people the best chance of survival and a full recovery.

Here are the six stroke warning signs in the BE FAST acronym, according to the American Stroke Association:

B – BALANCE loss

Dizziness, difficulty walking or a sudden loss of balance can all signal that a stroke may be happening.

E – EYE changes

Problems with vision matter too, including blurred vision, double vision or loss of sight in one eye.

F – FACE drooping

Ask the person to smile. An uneven smile, or numbness or drooping on one side of the face, can be a symptom.

A – ARM weakness

Numbness in one arm, as Murphy experienced, is a warning sign. Weakness is another. Ask the person to raise both arms and see whether one drifts downward.

S – SPEECH difficulty

Difficulty speaking is another common sign. See whether the person can repeat a simple sentence, or whether their speech sounds slurred or hard to understand.

T – TIME to call 911

If you or someone near you is showing these symptoms, call 911 right away. Fast treatment is critical for survival and for limiting long-term effects.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to or within the brain is disrupted. This can happen if an artery becomes blocked or if a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Brain tissue that is deprived of oxygen can suffer permanent damage, leading to long-term disability or death.

Other major stroke symptoms include a severe headache, confusion and numbness on one side of the body.

Stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death in the U.S., and it killed more than 162,000 people in 2023, according to the American Heart Association.