Stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted by a blockage or bleeding. This can damage brain cells and needs immediate assessment. World Health Organization: Stroke

Recognise sudden signs with FAST

The FAST check helps people recognise common warning signs:

  • Face: one side of the face may droop or the person may be unable to smile normally.
  • Arms: one arm may become weak or numb, or may drift down when both arms are raised.
  • Speech: speech may be slurred, confused, or difficult to understand.
  • Time: seek emergency medical help immediately if any of these signs start suddenly.
FAST stroke warning signs: facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty and time to call emergency services.
Educational illustration: one sudden FAST sign is enough to seek emergency help. Select the image to view it at full size.

Sudden loss of vision, dizziness or loss of balance, confusion, severe headache without a known cause, or weakness or numbness on one side can also be signs of stroke. WHO NHS: Symptoms of a stroke

Other sudden stroke symptoms: vision changes, loss of balance, one-sided weakness or numbness, and an unusually severe headache.
Educational illustration: FAST does not capture every stroke symptom. Sudden symptoms need immediate assessment.

What to do when stroke is suspected

Call local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Note the time the person was last known to be well, if it is known, and share that information with the emergency team. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms improve or disappear.

Symptoms can sometimes be temporary, as with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), but still require urgent medical assessment. WHO NHS

Suspected stroke: call emergency services, note symptom onset or last-known-well time, and do not wait even if symptoms improve.
Educational illustration: do not drive yourself or wait for an appointment or online reply. Seek emergency care immediately.

Why immediate assessment matters

Rapid clinical assessment and brain imaging help determine whether symptoms are due to a stroke and, if so, the type of stroke. Treatments depend on the clinical situation. For selected ischaemic strokes, treatment may include thrombolytic therapy or endovascular thrombectomy; this is decided by the treating stroke team after assessment and imaging. WHO

Reducing risk over time

Several modifiable factors are linked with stroke risk, including high blood pressure, tobacco use, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, excess body weight and harmful alcohol use. A clinician can advise on personal risk assessment and prevention. WHO

Further reliable information

Dr. Simranjeet Singh is a Consultant Neurosurgeon and Neurointervention Specialist at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi. His qualifications include MBBS (MAMC), M.Ch. Neurosurgery (AIIMS Delhi), and a Fellowship in Neurovascular Intervention at G. B. Pant Hospital, Delhi. This article is general educational information.