Stroke: recognise the signs and act immediately

Recognise the signs

Stroke is an emergency requiring rapid assessment. Remember FAST: face, arms, speech and time. Is one side of the face drooping? Can the person raise both arms and keep them raised? Has speech suddenly become slurred, confused or difficult? One sudden warning sign is enough to take action; all signs do not need to occur together.

Other possible symptoms

Sudden one-sided weakness or numbness, loss of vision, trouble balancing or an unusually severe headache may also occur. Stroke can affect people at any age. Do not dismiss symptoms because someone is young or because they last only a few minutes. Symptoms that disappear can still represent an urgent warning.

What to do

Call local emergency services immediately and explain that you suspect a stroke. Note when symptoms started, or the last time the person was known to be well if the start is unclear. Do not drive yourself or let the affected person drive. Stay with them and follow the dispatcher's instructions. Gather a medication list if possible without delaying the call. Do not independently give food, drink or new medicines: swallowing may be affected and treatment depends on the stroke type. Do not wait for symptoms to settle.

Safety note

This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan, and it does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Needs vary; seek urgent care for warning signs rather than delaying for online advice.