Stroke Warning Signs: Think FAST, Call 911

Recognizing a Stroke in Grand Rapids, Michigan

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Brain cells begin to die within minutes — which is why a stroke is a medical emergency and every minute matters. The good news: stroke is treatable, and fast action saves lives and reduces disability. Knowing the warning signs and calling 911 immediately is the single most important thing you can do.

Grand Rapids is fortunate to have advanced stroke care close by, including Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital — home to West Michigan’s only Level I trauma center — but those treatments work best when started quickly.

Think F.A.S.T.

Use the word FAST to spot a stroke and act:

• F — Face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or feel numb?
• A — Arm weakness. Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S — Speech difficulty. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is speech slurred or hard to understand?
• T — Time to call 911. If you see any of these signs, call 911 right away — even if the symptoms go away.

Other sudden warning signs

Call 911 immediately for any sudden:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side
• Confusion, trouble speaking, or trouble understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

Why call 911 — don’t drive

• Note the time symptoms first appeared. Some clot-busting treatments must be given within a few hours, so this detail is critical.
• Call 911 — don’t drive yourself or the person to the hospital. Paramedics can begin care on the way and alert the stroke team so treatment starts the moment you arrive.
• Even if symptoms disappear (a possible “mini-stroke” or TIA), still call 911 — it can be a warning of a bigger stroke to come.

Lower your risk

Many strokes are preventable. Work with your primary care doctor in Grand Rapids to:

• Control high blood pressure — the leading cause of stroke.
• Manage diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Don’t smoke or vape, and limit alcohol.
• Stay physically active and eat a heart-healthy diet.
• Treat atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) if you have it.