Act FAST and recognise early stroke indicators and symptoms
Know the signs of stroke and act FAST
Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Spotting the signs and symptoms is critical to seeking FAST medical assistance and increasing the odds of a good recovery. Rapid response is crucial to minimising the long-term effects of a stroke.
Stroke occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to parts of the brain, due to a blocked or burst artery. This causes damage to the brain tissue which can have a severe impact on mobility, speech, vision, swallowing function and behaviour.
Recognising signs and symptoms of stroke
Signs of stroke can vary, but the symptoms often come on quickly. They can include:
- Slurred speech, or difficulty understanding speech
- Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, including blurred or double vision
- Dizziness, loss of balance or lack of coordination
- Numbness, tingling or weakness, particularly on one side of the body, including face, arm or leg
- Sudden severe headache which is often described as the worst headache of one’s life, with no known cause
- Difficulty swallowing
Act FAST to identify a stroke symptom
To determine if someone has had a stroke, you can look for specific signs and symptoms. The FAST test is a quick and effective way to assess whether someone may be experiencing a stroke or an early stroke indicator.
The FAST Test for early stroke indicators
- F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S – Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?
- T – Time: If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in stroke treatment.
Actions to take
- Call Emergency Services on 000 immediately: If you suspect someone is having a stroke, seek medical help right away.
- Note the time: Knowing when the symptoms first started can help healthcare providers decide the best course of treatment.
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If you’re looking for support after a stroke or want to better manage your heart health, our Cardiac Wellness program and nursing services can help.
Our team provides personalised health coaching, monitoring and education to strengthen heart health, build confidence and support recovery at home. We work alongside you to manage risk factors, understand your medications and stay well for longer.