There’s a simple way to spot a stroke – BE FAST. Knowing how to identify a stroke can save someone’s life. Time is especially critical for a stroke victim – each minute, two million brain cells die. The more quickly a stroke victim finds the care they need, the less likely there will be permanent damage.
Here’s how you can spot a stroke:
Balance
- Sudden loss of balance.
Eyes
- Sudden vision changes.
Face
- Sudden face drooping.
Arms
- Sudden arm/leg weakness.
Speech
- Sudden slurred or garbled speech.
Time
- Time is critical. Call 911.
Educational Materials
Are you looking to spread stroke awareness or learn about your risk factors? The Sutter Health network has a number of different materials that you can either share on social media or even print out for your office or school.
Shareable Materials
- Flyer – Learn how to BE FAST to spot a stroke and find the closest Primary Stroke Center. You can pass this flyer around to your friends, family members, colleagues and classmates.
- Poster – Hang this up in the halls of your school or office, even your home. This poster has information on how to BE FAST to spot a stroke.
Stroke Care and Recovery
Quick treatment and a clear path to recovery can mean all the difference after a stroke. Our Continuum of Care Infographic (PDF) illustrates the potential paths of recovery most patients face when first receiving care and recovering from a stroke.
Stroke Support Groups
Are you interested in learning how to reduce your risk for stroke, or are you a stroke patient or caregiver looking for support? The Sutter Health network offers a variety of stroke support services to provide opportunities to learn and connect with others.
More Resources

Healthwise Medical Library
Look up helpful health information.

Patient Information
Practical info for Sutter patients.

Tools and Quizzes
Online tools to help you make decisions about your health.