What are two common signs of a stroke?

When considering the signs of a stroke, facial drooping and difficulty speaking are significant indicators. A stroke often affects the brain's ability to communicate and control facial muscles. Facial drooping, where one side of the face appears uneven or sagging, can signal a loss of muscle control, which is often seen in stroke victims. Difficulty speaking or forming coherent sentences, known as dysphasia, occurs due to the impact of a stroke on the areas of the brain responsible for language processing.

These symptoms align with the FAST acronym commonly used to recognize stroke: Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. Quick recognition and response to these signs are crucial, as timely intervention can significantly affect outcomes for those experiencing a stroke.