Common symptoms
The first signs that someone has had a stroke are very sudden. Symptoms include:
- numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (signs of this may be a drooping arm, leg or lower eyelid, or a dribbling mouth)
- slurred speech or difficulty finding words or understanding speech
- sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
- confusion or unsteadiness
- a severe headache.
Use the Face-Arm-Speech Test (FAST)
Three simple checks can help you recognise whether someone has had a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack - TIA).
F Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or an eye drooped?
A Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms?
S Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
T Test these symptoms.
If you see any of these signs, call 999 immediately.
Links
Brain attack
Causes of stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack
Stroke can happen to anyone
Damage to the brain
Common problems
