Sudden facial weakness: remember BE FAST
Sudden facial drooping can have different causes. The video explains stroke warning signs and why urgent medical assessment matters.
Three things to know
BE FAST stands for balance problems, eye or vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call emergency services. A sudden warning sign is enough to call for help.
Bell’s palsy can affect facial movement, but appearance or forehead movement alone cannot rule out stroke. Sudden facial weakness needs urgent medical assessment, even when Bell’s palsy seems possible.
If clinicians confirm Bell’s palsy, they decide whether early treatment and eye protection are needed. The video’s treatment discussion applies after diagnosis and is not a reason to delay emergency care.