Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
What to do if you or someone around you is having a stroke
Knowing what to look out for and do when someone around you is experiencing a stroke can be life saving. During a stroke, every second counts and fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that having a stroke can cause.
Act FAST
The main symptoms of a stroke can be remembered using the word FAST:
- Face – look at the person's face. It may have dropped on one side, they may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may be droopey.
- Arms – look at the person's body. They may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
- Speech – listen to the person's speech. Is it slurred or garbled? They may not be able to talk at all even though they are awake, or they may have problems understanding you.
- Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
It's important for everyone to be aware of these signs and symptoms, especially if you live with or care for a person in a high-risk group, such as someone who is elderly, has diabetes or high blood pressure.
Childhood Stroke
The FAST test should still be used to determine strokes in children and young people, but they may also have other symptoms including:
- A sudden, severe headache
- Seizures
- Vertigo or sudden dizziness
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- Fever or loss of consciousness
- Vision becoming blurry or loss of sight in one or both eyes
- Weakness or numbness in one side of the body
- Changes in sensation in the body, like pins and needles in arms or legs
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of a stroke differ from person to person, but usually start suddenly. Different parts of the brain control different parts of the body so symptoms will depend on which part of the brain is affected and the extent of the damage.
What are the signs of having a stroke?
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it's only on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
Call 999 straight away if you or someone else around you displays any of these symptoms.