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    1. Home
    2. News

    Recognise signs of stroke and act FAST

    Date published: 12 May 2025

    Stroke is a common cause of death and disability. You should ‘act FAST’ and call 999 if you think someone is having a stroke. It could save their life.

    Signs and symptoms

    A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die. 

    The most common symptoms to look out for are:

    • blurred vision
    • slurred speech
    • muscle weakness when in other ways feeling well

    Check for any of these signs:

    • face – has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
    • arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
    • speech – is their speech slurred?
    • time – time to call 999

    Any single sign of stroke is always an emergency.

    A full-blown stroke could include:

    • numbness or weakness in face, arm, hand or leg on just one side of the body
    • confusion or difficulty speaking or understanding what someone is saying
    • difficulty swallowing
    • sudden dimness, blurring or loss of vision in one or both eyes
    • trouble walking and dizziness
    • loss of balance or co-ordination
    • severe headache, sudden vomiting or unconsciousness

    With a stroke it's important to act immediately, as early treatment is vital. You should either:

    • dial 999
    • or go to a hospital Accident and Emergency department

    You can find further information on this page:

    • Strokes

    Preventing strokes

    Your chances of having a stroke reduce if you understand the risks and take action to prevent a stroke happening.

    You can reduce your risk of having a stroke by:

    • knowing and managing your personal risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, an irregular heartbeat (for example, atrial fibrillation) and high blood cholesterol
    • exercising regularly and keeping a healthy weight
    • reducing the amount of alcohol you drink
    • stopping smoking

    More useful links

    • Health and wellbeing in retirement
    • Driving after a stroke, cerebral thrombosis or amaurosis 
    • A guide for drivers with heart conditions
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    • Recognise signs of stroke and act FAST
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