Stroke: Just the Figures
Stroke: the whole thing in five minutes, for when you want the numbers and nothing else.
Interruption of blood supply to part of the brain, from a clot or a bleed.
Key takeaways
- F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911
- TIA (mini-stroke): symptoms go away, but the risk of a full stroke is high in the days that follow
- Most useful single change: Learn F.A.S.T. and call 911 without hesitating.
- Commonest mistake: Waiting to see whether symptoms go away.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| F.A.S.T. | Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911 |
| TIA (mini-stroke) | symptoms go away, but the risk of a full stroke is high in the days that follow |
| Main risk factors | high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol |
| Treatment window | hours; the sooner the better |
In one paragraph
Treatment is extremely time-sensitive, which is why the warning signs are taught to the public and not just to clinicians.
Worth doing
- Learn F.A.S.T. and call 911 without hesitating
- Control blood pressure, the biggest single risk factor
- Tell your doctor about palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Take blood thinners exactly as prescribed if you have been given them
Worth avoiding
- Waiting to see whether symptoms go away
- Driving the person to the hospital instead of calling 911
- Treating a TIA as a false alarm
Related topics
- What the Guidance Really Says About Suspected Stroke (Emergency Care)
- Atrial Fibrillation: What the Evidence Actually Says (Heart Health)
- Anticoagulants: What Published Guidance Supports (Blood Health)
- What the Guidance Really Says About Circulation and the Feet (Foot Health)
Where to go next
- New to Stroke? Start Here
- Stroke: The Questions People Actually Ask
- Stroke — the reference entry
- Brain Health: The Complete Guide
- Migraine: What the Evidence Actually Says
- Concussion: What Published Guidance Supports
When to speak to a doctor
Call 911 immediately for face drooping, arm or leg weakness, or slurred or confused speech — even if the symptoms go away. A TIA is an emergency because the risk of a full stroke is highest in the following days. Also call 911 for a sudden severe headache, sudden vision loss, sudden loss of balance, or sudden numbness on one side.
Where this comes from
- American Stroke Association — Stroke Warning Signs and Symptoms
- CDC — Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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