How to use F.A.S.T. to test for stroke

You're having lunch with a friend when something seems off. She appears confused and is complaining of dizziness. She also seems to have trouble following your conversation.

Could she be having a stroke?

Find out F.A.S.T.

There's a simple test you can use if you think someone is having a stroke — and it follows the acronym F.A.S.T:

• "F" stands for face drooping. Ask the person to smile. Does one side of his or her face droop?
• "A" stands for arm weakness. Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• "S" stands for speech difficulty. Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Can he or she repeat the sentence correctly?
• "T" stands for time to call 911. If you see any of these signs, don't wait to see if symptoms stop. Instead, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately so the person can be taken to an emergency department or stroke center as soon as possible.