We have all seen the stroke adverts on what to look out for, haven’t we? But how confident are you when it comes to recognising and assisting someone experiencing a stroke?
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This is usually caused by a blood clot or a bleed. It is sometimes referred to as a “Brain Attack.”
Did You know?
Around 100,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke each year. They are most common in the elderly, but can also affect people of all ages; particularly those with high blood pressure. As we age, our arteries become harder and narrower and more likely to become blocked. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can speed up this process and increase your risk of having a stroke.
Prompt recognition and treatment are vital to limit brain damage and improve survival rates.
Can you recover from a stroke?
Each stroke is different. Some people may have relatively minor effects which don’t last long, whereas others may be left with more serious problems. This often leads to the casualty becoming dependent on other people.
Sadly, this isn’t always something people can recover from. Approximately one in eight people die within 30 days of experiencing a stroke. Recognising the symptoms and seeking medical help are therefore paramount for a speedy recovery. A good recovery is reliant on treatment being given quickly.
The signs and symptoms of strokes vary depending on which part of the brain has been damaged, and so the best way to test for a stroke is the BE FAST test.
BE FAST…
Balance – Loss of Balance, Headaches or Dizziness
Is the person suffering a sudden loss of balance, coordination, or dizziness?
Eyes – Blurred Vision
Is there sudden blurred vision, loss of sight in one or both eyes, or unequal pupil size?
Face – One Side of The Face is Drooping
Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
Arms – Arm or Leg Weakness
Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? Is there weakness on one side?
Speech – Speech difficulty
Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
Time – Time to Call for Help
Time to call 999/112 immediately if you see any of these signs.
More on what we should look for
Possible signs and symptoms:
- Confusion or difficulty understanding others.
- Numbness, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body.
- Sudden and severe headache.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Lower levels of consciousness.
- Signs of Hypoxia (Low Oxygen): Blue tinges to the skin and lips (cyanosis). On darker skin tones, look for pallor (greyish skin) or blue tinges inside the lips or gums.
What should we do?
- Call 999/112 immediately. Tell the operator you suspect a stroke.
- Offer reassurance. Talk to them calmly. They may be able to hear and understand you even if they cannot speak or respond.
- Position the casualty. If they are conscious, help them to lie down with their head and shoulders raised and supported (e.g., with pillows) to reduce blood pressure in the head.
- Monitor Breathing. Keep a close watch on their level of response and breathing while waiting for the ambulance.
- If they become unconscious and are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position (on their side) to protect their airway.
T.I.A.s / Mini Strokes
A T.I.A. (Transient Ischaemic Attack), sometimes called a “Mini Stroke” or “Warning Stroke,” occurs when the blood supply to the brain is stopped for a short time. The signs are exactly the same as a full stroke (BE FAST). The key difference is that symptoms may last only a few minutes and then disappear completely. Call 999 immediately. Even if the symptoms resolve quickly, a TIA is a major warning sign that a full stroke may happen soon. Never “wait and see.”
So remember- BE FAST and the casualty will be in safe hands!
If you found this information helpful, or think this will be beneficial to your family, friends or colleagues, please feel free to share!
Information updated January 2026
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