• B — Balance: sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/coordination
• E — Eyes: sudden vision loss or double vision in one or both eyes
• F — Face: facial droop or uneven smile
• A — Arm: arm/leg weakness or numbness, especially on one side
• S — Speech: slurred speech, difficulty speaking or understanding
• T — Time: call emergency now; note the exact time symptoms started or last known well

• Call emergency services immediately. Do not drive yourself.
• Note time of onset (or last known normal) and list of medicines (especially blood thinners).
• Do not eat/drink; avoid aspirin unless a clinician tells you (bleeding stroke risk).
• If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR if trained.

Ischemic stroke (blood clot)

• Clot-busting medicine (e.g., alteplase/tenecteplase) for eligible patients—best within 4.5 hours of onset
• Mechanical thrombectomy (catheter clot removal) for large artery blockages—select patients up to 24 hours from last known well
• Blood pressure, glucose, oxygen optimization; early antiplatelet after bleeding is excluded (team-guided)

Hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding)

• Blood pressure control, reversal of blood thinners when indicated
• Neurosurgical evaluation; manage swelling and complications

• CT head quickly rules out bleeding
• MRI brain to confirm small/early infarcts (as available)
• Vessel imaging (CTA/MRA/carotid ultrasound) to find blockages
• Heart rhythm (ECG/telemetry) for atrial fibrillation; echocardiogram for clots/valves
• Blood tests (glucose, electrolytes, CBC, coagulation, lipids); swallowing screen before food/meds

• Low blood sugar, seizures/post-ictal weakness (Todd’s paralysis)
• Migraine aura, inner ear disorders, medication effects
• Peripheral neuropathy or nerve palsies

Team approach

• Early physical, occupational, speech therapy improves outcomes
• Swallow evaluation to prevent aspiration; nutrition plan
• Screen/treat mood changes (depression, anxiety), sleep disorders

Home setup

• Remove trip hazards; grab bars; raised toilet/handrails
• Non-slip footwear; lighting for night paths
• Medication planner; BP/glucose tracking as advised

Key pillars

• Blood pressure control is most important
• Statins for many ischemic strokes/TIAs
• Diabetes control; healthy weight; exercise plan
• No smoking; low-salt, heart-healthy diet; limit alcohol

Antiplatelet / anticoagulation

• Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) for most non-cardioembolic TIAs/ischemic strokes
• Anticoagulation (e.g., DOACs/warfarin) for atrial fibrillation-related stroke prevention—clinician determines timing after stroke
• Never combine medications without medical guidance

• Do a swallow screen before food, drinks, or pills after stroke
• Use assistive devices (cane/walker) as trained; fall-prevention plan
• Review medicines for dizziness/sedation; simplify dosing

Symptoms stopped—am I okay?

No. That could be a TIA. Stroke risk is highest soon after—seek urgent care the same day.

Can I take aspirin right away?

Only after bleeding is ruled out by clinicians. Taking it during a bleed can be dangerous.

How soon should rehab start?

As early as it’s safe—often within 24–48 hours. Early therapy improves recovery and independence.

Do all strokes have severe headache?

No. Many ischemic strokes are painless—focus on sudden weakness, speech or vision changes, or imbalance.