Neurology
Stroke — Symptoms and Fast Response
2025-08-14 • Updated 2025-08-21
Understanding Stroke Symptoms and FAST Response
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Every minute counts — fast recognition and treatment can save lives and reduce long-term disability.
The FAST Acronym
Remember FAST to spot common stroke signs quickly:
- F — Face: drooping or numbness on one side
- A — Arms: weakness, can’t raise both arms evenly
- S — Speech: slurred, confused, or strange speech
- T — Time: call emergency services immediately
⚠️ Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. Some strokes are temporary (TIA, “mini-stroke”) but still signal urgent danger.
Other Stroke Symptoms
Not all strokes look the same. Call emergency services if you notice:
- Sudden vision changes (blurred, double, or loss of sight)
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)
- Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or coordination
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
What Is a TIA (“Mini-Stroke”)?
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is when stroke symptoms appear but resolve within minutes to hours.
- TIAs are not harmless — they are a major warning sign of a future stroke.
- About 1 in 3 people who experience a TIA will later have a stroke, often within days.
- TIAs require immediate medical assessment, even if symptoms disappear.
Think of a TIA as your body’s “red alert” — don’t ignore it.
What To Do While Waiting for Help
- Stay with the person, keep them calm and safe
- Note the time symptoms began — doctors use this to decide treatment options
- Do not give food, drink, or medicine unless instructed by emergency staff
Prevention
- Control risk factors: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats
- Take prescribed medicines (e.g., blood pressure tablets, anticoagulants) as directed
Myth vs Fact
-
Myth: Stroke only happens to the elderly.
Fact: Stroke can occur at any age, even in young adults and children. -
Myth: If symptoms disappear, it’s nothing serious.
Fact: A TIA (“mini-stroke”) is a serious warning sign and must be checked urgently. -
Myth: Stroke pain is always severe.
Fact: Many strokes cause numbness or weakness, not pain. -
Myth: You can “sleep off” stroke symptoms.
Fact: Delaying care can mean permanent brain damage. Always call emergency services.
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Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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