Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
Every minute counts. Act F.A.S.T.
What it is
- Ischaemic stroke: a clot blocks an artery supplying the brain — the most common type.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
- A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a brief blockage with symptoms that pass — a serious warning of a bigger stroke.
Act F.A.S.T.
- Face — has the face drooped on one side?
- Arms — can both arms be raised, or does one drift down?
- Speech — is speech slurred, jumbled or absent?
- Time — if any of these appear, note the time and call for help at once.
Other warning signs
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body.
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking.
Treatment and prevention
- Clot-busting medicine works best within the first 3–4.5 hours — do not wait to see if it passes.
- Hospital care includes scans, blood-thinners and rehabilitation therapy.
- Control high blood pressure — the leading stroke risk factor.
- Stop smoking, limit alcohol, keep diabetes and cholesterol managed.
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) needs treatment to prevent clots.
Seek medical help urgently if
- Any sudden face droop, arm weakness or speech difficulty
- Sudden worst-ever headache, vomiting and stiff neck
- Sudden unconsciousness
- Call emergency services immediately — do not drive yourself
General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.