Table of contents
Quick answer
Remember BE FAST: sudden loss of Balance, trouble with the Eyes, a drooping Face, a weak Arm or leg, slurred Speech — and it is Time to go to hospital. If you notice even one of these signs, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency straight away. In a stroke, every minute counts.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain suddenly stops. Most often a clot blocks a blood vessel (an ischaemic stroke); sometimes a blood vessel bursts and bleeds (a haemorrhagic stroke).
Without blood, brain cells start to get damaged within minutes. That is why a stroke is an emergency — the sooner treatment starts, the more of the brain can be protected.
The BE FAST warning signs
Stroke signs come on suddenly. Check for these six:
- BBalanceSudden loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking
- EEyesSudden blurred, double or lost vision in one or both eyes
- FFaceOne side of the face droops — ask the person to smile
- AArmOne arm or leg is weak or numb — ask them to raise both arms
- SSpeechSlurred or strange speech, or trouble understanding
- TTimeGo to the nearest hospital emergency now — note the time
Other sudden signs can include a very severe headache unlike any before, sudden confusion, or numbness on one side of the body.
What to do straight away
What to do
- Take the person to the nearest hospital emergency that can do a brain scan — call an ambulance if you can.
- Note the time the signs started, or when the person was last seen normal.
- If they are drowsy or vomiting, lay them on their side.
- Take their list of medicines and old reports with you.
What not to do
- Don't wait to see if the signs go away.
- Don't give food, water or any medicine by mouth — not even aspirin.
- Don't let the person "sleep it off".
- Don't book a regular clinic appointment for these signs — go to the emergency.
The "mini-stroke" (TIA) — a warning you should not ignore
Sometimes the same signs appear and then go away within minutes or hours. This is called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It can be a warning that a full stroke may follow, so the person should see a doctor the same day, even if they feel fine now.
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone can have a stroke, but the chances are higher with:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- An earlier stroke or TIA
- Older age or a family history of stroke
- Little physical activity or extra weight
Keeping blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol under control, stopping tobacco and staying active all help lower the risk. Your doctor can tell you what applies to you.
After the hospital
Recovery after a stroke is different for every person. Many people need physiotherapy, speech therapy and regular check-ups, along with medicines to help prevent another stroke. A neurologist can guide the follow-up and help you understand the reports.
Stroke & stroke rehabilitationCauses, tests, treatment, recovery and prevention — on Dr. Mehta's stroke care pageCommon questions
Yes. Stroke is more common after the age of 55, but it can happen at any age, including in young adults and children. The warning signs are the same — never ignore them because the person is young.
This may be a mini-stroke (TIA). Even if the person feels normal again, they need to see a doctor the same day, because a full stroke can follow soon after a TIA.
No. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain, and certain medicines can make that worse. Doctors decide on treatment after a brain scan. Do not give food, water or medicines by mouth.
Straight away. Some treatments for stroke caused by a clot can only be given within the first few hours after symptoms start. Note the time the symptoms began and tell the doctor.
Signs of stroke right now?
Do not book an appointment — go to the nearest hospital emergency immediately.
Worried about stroke risk or recovery?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rohan Mehta for check-ups, follow-up after a stroke or a TIA.
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