Quick Answer
Stroke warning signs include FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) — recognizing symptoms quickly saves brain tissue and lives.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Stroke is a medical emergency — every minute counts. Recognizing stroke warning signs quickly allows emergency treatment that can save brain tissue and lives. The FAST acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) is the most important tool for identifying stroke.
FAST stroke recognition
Face: ask person to smile — does one side droop?
- Arm: ask person to raise both arms — does one drift down?
- Speech: ask person to repeat simple phrase — is speech slurred or strange?
- Time: if any of these, call emergency immediately — time is brain.
Other stroke warning signs
Sudden numbness/weakness: one side of body — face, arm, leg.
- Sudden confusion: trouble understanding speech or speaking.
- Sudden vision problems: loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden severe headache: 'worst headache of life' — especially with other symptoms.
- Sudden dizziness: loss of balance, coordination, walking.
- Sudden trouble walking: loss of balance, coordination.
- Sudden nausea/vomiting: especially with headache or other symptoms.
Types of stroke
Ischemic stroke: blood clot blocks artery — ~85% of strokes. Most common, treatable with clot-busting drugs. Hemorrhagic stroke: blood vessel ruptures — bleeding in brain. Less common, more severe, harder to treat. Transient ischemic attack (TIA): 'mini-stroke' — temporary symptoms, high risk of full stroke. Warning sign — needs urgent evaluation. Cryptogenic stroke: cause unknown — requires extensive evaluation.
Stroke risk factors
Hypertension: major risk factor — control blood pressure. Diabetes: increases risk — manage blood sugar. Smoking: major modifiable risk — quit smoking. Atrial fibrillation: irregular heartbeat — increases stroke risk. High cholesterol: contributes to atherosclerosis — manage cholesterol. Obesity: increases risk — weight management. Family history: genetic component — can't change but awareness helps. Age: risk increases with age — can't change.
Stroke prevention
Control hypertension: blood pressure management — most important. Manage diabetes: blood sugar control — reduces risk. Quit smoking: major modifiable risk — quit smoking. Exercise: regular physical activity — reduces risk. Healthy diet: Mediterranean diet — reduces risk. Manage cholesterol: statins if needed — reduces risk. Treat atrial fibrillation: anticoagulation — reduces stroke risk. Limit alcohol: moderation — reduces risk.
When stroke symptoms need emergency care
If you or someone else has sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, vision problems, severe headache, dizziness, or trouble walking — call emergency immediately. Time is brain — every minute counts.
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When to seek professional evaluation
Stroke warning signs are discussed at stroke evaluation — because rapid recognition and treatment save lives.
This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Note time of onset, call emergency services, do not give food/drink or leave the person alone.
TIA symptoms resolve, but it signals high short-term stroke risk. Urgent evaluation and prevention planning are essential.
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
FAST: Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech change, Time to emergency. TIA (transient deficit that resolves) is also an emergency — 10–20% have stroke within 90 days. At the clinic, secondary prevention (antiplatelet/anticoagulant, blood pressure, statin, diabetes control) and rehabilitation planning follow hospital dischar…
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Warning Signs of Stroke: Act FAST in Kathmandu
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.