Recognise the symptoms

You can recognise a stroke using the FAST test

FACIAL weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

ARM weakness: Can the person raise both arms?

SPEECH problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?

TIME to call 999.

If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999
A speedy response can help reduce the damage to a person’s brain and improve their chances of a full recovery. A delay in getting help can result in death or long-term disabilities.

Don’t ignore temporary symptoms
If symptoms disappear within 24 hours, the person may have had a Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), which is also called a mini-stroke. A TIA is still a medical emergency, because it can lead to a major stroke.

Read our publications:
What is a stroke?
What is a stroke? - Welsh

Useful links
NHS Choices - Act F.A.S.T.
NHS Choices - Stroke
NHS Choices - Surviving stroke
NHS Inform
NHS Wales
Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland