Symptoms of stroke

Recognising the symptoms of stroke and understanding the FAST mnemonic to act quickly.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Stroke

A stroke can be a life-threatening condition, and it’s crucial to recognise the signs and act quickly to get medical help. If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing a stroke, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately. Rapid action can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the long-term effects of a stroke. Remember, every minute counts.

Understanding Stroke Symptoms

A stroke can cause a range of symptoms, depending on which part of the brain is affected. These symptoms usually begin suddenly and may not progress further.

Symptoms of stroke can include:

Muscle weakness (hemiplegia): This can affect the ability to move one side of your face, one leg, or one arm.
Numbness or reduced sensory sensation: You may experience this on one side of your body or face.
Speech difficulty: You may find it hard to speak clearly or to understand what others are saying.
Vision problems: You may lose vision in one or both eyes, or see double.
Severe headache: This may occur with a haemorrhagic stroke, which involves bleeding in the brain.
Balance problems and vertigo: You may feel dizzy, unsteady or have difficulty walking.

In some cases, the symptoms may be temporary, lasting a few minutes or persisting up to 24 hours. This is known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or a “mini-stroke.” Even if symptoms resolve they should be treated urgently as they often serve as a warning for an impending full stroke.

Remember the FAST Mnemonic

To help you remember the main symptoms of a stroke, you can use the FAST mnemonic:

F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A (Arms): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S (Speech): Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T (Time): If you observe any of these signs, call your local emergency number immediately.

Other Symptoms

Depending on the exact part of the brain affected by the stroke, specific symptoms may be experienced:

Problems with taste, smell, hearing or vision
Drooping of an eyelid and weakness of ocular muscles
Decreased reflexes, such as a reduced gag or swallow reflex
Altered breathing and heart rate
Confusion or lack of insight into their disability
Difficulty with voluntary movements (apraxia) or issues with coordination

The more extensive the area of the brain affected, the more functions are likely to be lost.

Stroke