Spotting a Stroke: How to Recognise the Signs
A stroke is a medical emergency, and every minute matters. The faster someone gets to hospital, the better their chance of survival and recovery. Yet many of us hesitate when it counts.
We wait to be sure, or worry about overreacting. That pause can change the outcome.
This guide explains what a stroke is, how to recognise the signs using the FAST test, and why calling 999 straight away matters so much.
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What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Brain cells need a constant supply of oxygen rich blood, and without it they begin to die (Stroke, NHS).
There are two main causes.
Most strokes happen when a clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain, while others are caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
A stroke can affect things like speech and movement, and recovery can take a long time. It is always life threatening and needs urgent treatment in hospital (Stroke, NHS).
You may also hear of a transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, often called a mini stroke.
This is caused by a temporary disruption to the blood supply, and it must still be treated as an emergency.
The FAST test: the signs to look for
The main symptoms of a stroke come on suddenly.
The easiest way to remember them is the word FAST, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time (Symptoms of a stroke, NHS).
Each letter points to something specific to check:
1. Face
The face may have dropped on one side. The person may be unable to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
2. Arms
They may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
3. Speech
Their speech may be slurred or garbled. They may struggle to talk despite appearing awake, or have trouble understanding you.
4. Time
If you see any of these signs, call 999 immediately.
The key message is that one sign is enough. You do not need to wait for several symptoms before acting (Quarter of people would not call 999 at the first signs of stroke, GOV.UK).
Other signs of a stroke
While FAST covers the main symptoms, a stroke can show itself in other ways too. These signs also come on suddenly and should be taken just as seriously (Symptoms of a stroke, NHS).
They can include weakness or numbness down one side of the body, and blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
Some people find it hard to speak or think of words, despite being awake.
Other symptoms include sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or falling over, and a severe headache.
Feeling or being sick can also occur. Importantly, these symptoms can sometimes ease after a short time.
You may think you are all right, but you should still get medical help straight away (Symptoms of a stroke, NHS).
Why acting fast matters so much
The danger with a stroke is hesitation.
Research found that around a quarter of people would wait before calling an ambulance, wrongly believing they need to see two or more symptoms to be sure (Quarter of people would not call 999 at the first signs of stroke, GOV.UK).
Other people delay because they feel they need permission to act on someone else's behalf. In an emergency, that instinct to avoid causing a fuss can prove costly.
The reality is stark. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK, and the faster someone is treated, the more of the brain can be saved (Quarter of people would not call 999 at the first signs of stroke, GOV.UK).
So the advice is simple: act first and worry later. If you see even one sign of a stroke, call 999 without delay.
What to do while you wait for help
Once you have called 999, the call handler will give you advice on what to do next.
Stay with the person and keep them calm and comfortable.
Make a note of when the symptoms started, as this is vital information for the hospital.
It helps doctors decide which treatments are suitable.
One important point: do not drive the person to A&E yourself.
An ambulance crew can begin assessment on the way and take them to the right specialist unit (Symptoms of a stroke, NHS).
What happens at hospital
Treatment depends on the type of stroke. In the first 24 hours, this may include medicine to break down blood clots in the brain, known as thrombolysis (Treatment for a stroke, NHS).
In some cases, surgery is needed. This might be to remove a clot, drain fluid from the brain, or relieve pressure inside the skull (Treatment for a stroke, NHS).
This is why the speed of the 999 call is so critical. Many of these treatments are most effective when given quickly after symptoms begin.
Who is most at risk?
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age.
However, certain factors increase the risk, including being over 50 and being from a Black or South Asian background (Causes of a stroke, NHS).
Some health conditions also raise the risk.
These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (Causes of a stroke, NHS).
The good news is that some risk factors can be reduced.
Stopping smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying active and cutting down on alcohol all help (Causes of a stroke, NHS).
Knowing the signs is a skill worth having
Recognising a stroke is not complicated, but it does require confidence to act.
The FAST test is simple enough for anyone to remember and use. Mistakes can happen under pressure, and that is understandable.
You might second guess what you are seeing, or hesitate for a moment. The one thing to avoid is doing nothing.
This is why first aid training is so valuable.
In the courses we offer, including Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work, you learn to recognise medical emergencies like stroke and act calmly when seconds count.
We deliver training onsite at your workplace or at accessible venues across the UK.
Courses are designed around your team and your sector.
Want your team to feel ready to act when it matters most?
Get a quote or check availability for first aid training today.
Refrences
1. NHS: Cause of a stroke
2. Gov.UK: Quarter of people would not call 999 at the first signs of stroke
3. NHS: Stroke
4. NHS: Symptoms of Stroke
5. NHS: Treatment of Stroke