Stroke Symptoms
Experiencing stroke symptoms? Call 9-1-1 immediately!
B.E. F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke. When you can spot the signs, you'll know that you need to call 9-1-1 for help right away.
B.E. F.A.S.T. is:
Balance Loss
Does the person have a sudden loss of balance?
Eyesight Changes
Has the person lost vision in one or both eyes?
Face Drooping
Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
Arm Weakness
Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty
Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a sentence like "The sky is blue." Is it repeated correctly?
Time to Call 9-1-1
If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get the person to the hospital immediately. Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.
Other Stroke Symptoms
- Sudden confusion
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Learn more stroke signs and symptoms.
Need directions to the ER? Get Directions to:
Quality Emergency Care, Close to Home
Centerpoint Health is an affiliate of UK HealthCare’s Stroke Care Network. Our clinical teams work hand-in-hand to provide the highest quality stroke care with better outcomes for our patients. University of Kentucky neurosurgeons work in partnership via telemedicine with our emergency room physicians to identify and treat strokes.
Centerpoint Health - Winchester is a Primary Stroke Center with the Joint Commission and American Heart Association.
Centerpoint Health - Georgetown, Centerpoint Health - Paris and Centerpoint Health - Versailles are each an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital that specializes in diagnosing and treating stroke patients. In collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, achieving Acute Stroke Ready Hospital (ASRH) Certification means we're dedicated to providing stroke care to our community. This patient-centric approach is better for our patients, their families and our community.
- Emergency Services - performs rapid identification of strokes and provides current treatment options.
- Diagnostic Imaging - provides emergent CT scanning 24/7. Able to perform Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- Rehabilitation Services - provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy in the hospital and outpatient setting.
Remember: Call 9-1-1
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. EMS staff are trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.