Symptoms of a stroke

Hospital admissions for strokes rise by 28% since 2004 – as NHS urges the public to ‘Act FAST’

Check for signs of a stroke

The main symptoms of a stroke can happen suddenly. They may include:

  • face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smile
  • arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm
  • speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused

The easiest way to remember these symptoms is the word FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.

Other symptoms of a stroke

There are other signs that you or someone else is having a stroke. These include:

  • weakness or numbness down 1 side of your body
  • blurred vision or loss of sight in 1 or both eyes
  • finding it difficult to speak or think of words
  • confusion and memory loss
  • feeling dizzy or falling over
  • a severe headache
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Symptoms of a stroke can sometimes stop after a short time, so you may think you're OK. Even if this happens, get medical help straight away.

A stroke is more likely to happen if you're older, but it can happen at any age.

Information:

Find out more

Immediate action required:Call 999 now if:

  • you think you're having, or have had a stroke
  • you've had signs of a stroke within the last 24 hours even if they've now stopped
Information:

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

Published on 26 November 2024