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 may be experiencing a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) These are:
Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or an 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 you see any of these signs, call 999 immediately.
If these signs have all gone away after just a few minutes or a few hours, then a Transient Ischaemic Attack or TIA may have occurred. A TIA, also known as a mini-stroke, should be treated as an emergency because urgent medical assessment is required. The person affected should be seen urgently by a GP. If this is not possible, they should be accompanied to an Accident and Emergency Department.
Links
Brain attack
Types of stroke
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Stroke can happen to anyone
Damage to the brain
Common problems
