A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot blocking a blood vessel or by bleeding in the brain. This interruption deprives brain cells of oxygen, leading to their rapid death and impaired communication between nerve cells. Recognizing stroke signs quickly is important, as timely medical intervention significantly impacts outcomes.
Key Characteristics of a Stroke Smile
A stroke can cause facial drooping and muscle weakness, often apparent when a person tries to smile. One side of the face may appear to droop or feel numb, resulting in an uneven or lopsided smile. The corner of the mouth may pull down or fail to rise.
To make these signs more noticeable, ask the person to smile broadly. You might observe that one corner of their mouth does not move, or their smile appears significantly asymmetrical. This facial weakness typically affects the lower part of one side of the face, though in some cases, such as a brainstem stroke, the forehead or eye might also be affected.
Other Common Stroke Warning Signs
Recognizing a stroke smile is often part of a broader assessment, as other symptoms frequently accompany facial drooping. The F.A.S.T. acronym provides a simple way to remember the most common warning signs.
“F” stands for Face drooping, involving one side of the face sagging or appearing numb. “A” represents Arm weakness; if one arm is weak or numb, ask the person to raise both arms to see if one drifts downward. “S” signifies Speech difficulty, where a person’s speech might be slurred, they may have trouble finding words, or they might sound confused. These symptoms typically appear suddenly and indicate a medical emergency.
Immediate Action Steps
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call emergency services immediately, such as 911 in the U.S. This immediate action is summarized by the “T” in F.A.S.T., which stands for Time to call. Every minute counts during a stroke because brain cells die rapidly when deprived of blood flow.
When speaking with emergency responders, provide the exact time symptoms first appeared, as this information is crucial for treatment decisions. Avoid driving the person to the hospital yourself, as paramedics can begin treatment on the way and ensure the fastest route to specialized stroke care. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink, as their ability to swallow may be impaired.