Recognizing stroke symptoms early can save lives

The American Heart Association stresses the urgency of calling 911 at the first warning signs

DALLAS, Dec 11, 2025 - A stroke can happen to anyone at any age. Actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently shared in his Netflix special "What Had Happened Was," that he experienced a brain bleed. Reports of this experience highlight the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke early and seeking immediate medical attention.

Strokes caused when a blood vessel ruptures, resulting in bleeding in the brain, are known as hemorrhagic strokes, which make up 13% of all strokes[1]. They are often more severe and result in greater disability than ischemic strokes, which are caused by a blockage in a brain blood vessel.

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, the world's leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, emphasize the importance of acting quickly at the first signs of a stroke. The acronym F.A.S.T. helps identify stroke symptoms:

• Face drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
• Arm weakness: One arm may feel weak or numb.
• Speech difficulty: Speech may become slurred or hard to understand.
• Time to call 9-1-1: If you observe these signs, seek emergency help immediately.

Although not called out in the F.A.S.T. acronym, a "thunderclap" or sudden, very severe headache, as has been mentioned in recent news stories, is associated with hemorrhagic stroke.

"Personal stories of stroke survival remind us how critical it is to recognize the warning signs and act quickly," said Mitchell S.V. Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAAN, FAHA, chief clinical science officer, stroke neurologist, and past volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Understanding the symptoms and seeking immediate help are critical to recovery."

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts or ruptures. It is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the U.S., despite stroke being largely preventable, treatable and beatable. Black Americans have a disproportionately higher prevalence of stroke and higher death rate from stroke compared to any other racial group[2].

Treatment options depend on the type of stroke. Aspirin may make bleeding worse for patients having hemorrhagic stroke. Individuals experiencing symptoms should seek emergency treatment by calling 911 to receive appropriate testing and treatment. Brain imaging, such as a CT scan of the head, is needed to distinguish bleeding strokes from those caused by blockages.

To learn more about lowering your risk for stroke, visit www.stroke.org.

Additional Resources:

• Multimedia available on the right column of the release link.
• American Stroke Association information about hemorrhagic stroke: Hemorrhagic Stroke | American Stroke Association (Also available in Spanish at: Ataque o derrame cerebral hemorrágico | American Stroke Association (Asociación Americana del Derrame Cerebral))
• Fact Sheet: Let's Talk About Hemorrhagic Stroke | American Stroke Association (Also available in Spanish at: Hablemos del ataque o derrame cerebral hemorrágico | American Stroke Association (Asociación Americana del Derrame Cerebral))
• Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews

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About the American Stroke Association

The American Stroke Association is a relentless force for a world with fewer strokes and longer, healthier lives. We team with millions of volunteers and donors to ensure equitable health and stroke care in all communities. We work to prevent, treat and beat stroke by funding innovative research, fighting for the public's health, and providing lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based association was created in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook and X.

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Darcy Wallace: 303-801-4683; [email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org