Things to Know When You Suspect You Are Having a Stroke, With Felipe De Los Rios, M.D.
Recognizing stroke symptoms early can save your life — learn the signs and what to do.
By
Lana Pine
| Published on July 25, 2025
2 min read
When it comes to stroke, time is brain. That’s the central message from Felipe De Los Rios, M.D., director of the Stroke Program at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute. Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke and acting fast can mean the difference between recovery and permanent brain injury.
He explains that the first and most important step is realizing that something is wrong. Once you recognize that, you need to consider that it could be a stroke — and that stroke is a true medical emergency. You cannot wait it out or see if it gets better. That delay can cost you your life or your ability to function.
Strokes can be sneaky. In some cases, even neurologists experiencing a stroke may not fully recognize the symptoms. Why? Because a stroke can affect your awareness, making it hard to realize how much is actually wrong.
That’s why it’s critical not to ignore the signs or try to rationalize them away, says De Los Rios. If a stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately and do not drive yourself.
One of the best tools for spotting stroke symptoms is the FAST acronym, a simple, lifesaving guide supported by the American Heart Association:
- F — Face: Look for facial drooping or asymmetry. Ask the person to smile — does one side of the face sag?
- A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Is one arm weak or drifting downward?
- S — Speech: Is their speech slurred, confused or completely incoherent?
- T — Time: Time to call 911. Every second counts.
These symptoms account for about 85% of stroke presentations, explains De Los Rios. FAST is an excellent way to teach families and communities how to recognize a stroke and respond quickly.
4 Things to Know When You Suspect You Are Having a Stroke:
- Know the signs (FAST)
- Call 911 immediately — Do not drive yourself or wait.
- Time is critical — Quick treatment can prevent permanent brain damage.
- Don’t wait to see if it gets better — Every minute without treatment increases risk.
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