Warning Signs of a Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency. Recognising the warning signs and acting immediately can save a life and reduce lasting damage, because effective treatment works only within a limited time window.

Think FAST

The easiest way to remember the main signs is FAST: Face drooping on one side; Arm weakness when both arms are raised; Speech that is slurred or hard to understand; Time to call emergency services immediately if you see any of these.

Other Warning Signs

Strokes can also cause sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg (usually on one side); sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance and coordination; and a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

Warning Before a Warning — TIA

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, causes the same symptoms briefly before they resolve. It is a serious warning of a possible major stroke and needs urgent assessment.

Act Immediately

If you notice any stroke sign in yourself or someone else, do not wait to see if it passes — call for emergency help at once. The faster treatment begins, the more brain tissue can be saved and the better the chances of recovery.