Recognizing symptoms can save a life and decrease the chances of permanent disabilities.

Go to the nearest ER or call 9-1-1 if you experience:

• Confusion or difficulty speaking/understanding
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sudden loss of vision
• Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face or on one side of the body
• Sudden severe headache
• Unexplained dizziness and/or loss of balance

Stroke Warning Signs - B.E.F.A.S.T.*

Use the letters in B.E.F.A.S.T. to spot a stroke:

• Balance: Does the person have a sudden loss of balance or are they dizzy? Are they walking differently?
• Eyes: Ask the person if they have sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Do they have blurry or double vision?
• Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is their smile uneven?
• Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately!

*This list is not inclusive of all possible medical emergencies. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center is a Level III acute stroke ready center, as designated by the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services. Our stroke ready center demonstrated expertise in the early assessment, rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke emergencies.

The stroke care team at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center collaborates with local EMS to provide patients with quick access to advanced diagnostic and treatment technology.