NHS Stroke information – Act FAST

Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of stroke is always an emergency, so call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences a single symptom.
The first signs of a stroke include:

  • Face weakness – it might be hard to smile, and one side of your face may droop (fall)
  • Arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm
  • Speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused

Other symptoms that could be the first sign you or someone else is having a stroke include:

  • Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of your body (including in your leg)
  • Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden difficulty speaking or thinking of words
  • Sudden memory loss or confusion
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs

 

Any sign of a stroke is always an emergency – at the first sign, call 999.

Act FAST. Face or arm or speech, at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.

Visit www.nhs.uk/ActFAST for more information.