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.

Educational only; not a substitute for professional medical advice.