This is my two cents, the standard Red Cross training.
Signs of a stroke:
F. A. S. T.
F: Face: ask person to smile. Both sides of the face should raise up the same.
A: Arms. ask person to raise arms. Both sides should raise up the same height. Sagging, or inability to raise the arm when previously able to, could indicate a stroke.
S: Speech. ask person to repeat a short sentence. Speech should not be slurred, words should be in order. Inability to speak clearly or repeat brief sentence in order could indicate a stroke.
T: Time. If problems with any of these, note the time, call 911. Time is important, in getting the best treatment. Early detection is crucial.
A friend of mine had a stroke, and didn’t realize it. She called her husband to bring her a towel, and her speech was gibberish, that’s how HE immediately realized what was going on. She said that to her, her speech seemed clear, she had no idea she wasn’t speaking properly. She said that when he came right in with the towel, she thought she was raising her arm to take it, but she wasn’t. He caught her just as she started to fall. She said that if he had not been home, the doctor said she probably would have had much more trouble.
On the good side, she did recover completely.
The person having the stroke may not realize what is going on or be aware of any symptoms.
PS, this is first aid training.
For whatever reason, my smile has normally never been straight. I deliberately try to yank up on my right side for photos, knowing that otherwise, it will look like I'm having a stroke.
I learned of the FAST acronym on an epidose of “House M.D.”! I’d gotten the STR one in an e-mail. Not sure which would be easier to remember, but they’re similar in what observations to make.
That is the list they are currently running on British television regarding strokes emphasising that if you notice any of these symptoms get medical help immediately and you save more of person.