Signs of Stroke FAST
Signs of stroke FAST. Recognise the signs of stroke call 000. A stroke is always a medical emergency.
Using the FAST test involves asking three simple questions:
| Face | Check their face. Has their mouth drooped? |
|---|---|
| Arm | Can they lift both arms? |
| Speech | Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? |
| Time | Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. |
Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs. Other signs of stroke may include one, or a combination of:
- Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
- Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination and they can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear.
When symptoms disappear within 24 hours, this episode may be a mini stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).
If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.