Stroke Is a Medical Emergency

Every minute of stroke, 1.9 million brain neurons die. Prompt action — calling an ambulance immediately — is the single most important thing a bystander can do. Urgent assessment determines whether time-sensitive treatment is appropriate. Treatment eligibility and recovery vary.

The FAST Acronym

  • F — Face drooping: One side of the face droops; asymmetric smile
  • A — Arm weakness: One arm weak or numb; cannot hold both arms raised equally
  • S — Speech difficulty: Slurred, garbled, or inability to speak or understand
  • T — Time to call 112: If ANY of these signs, call immediately

Additional Signs (BE-FAST)

  • B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • E — Eyes: Sudden vision loss or double vision in one or both eyes

Types of Stroke

  • Ischaemic (85%): Blood clot blocks a brain artery. Treated with tPA (clot-buster) or mechanical thrombectomy
  • Haemorrhagic (15%): Blood vessel bursts in or around the brain. Surgical treatment in selected cases

Risk Factors You Can Control

  • High blood pressure (most important) — target <130/80 mmHg
  • Atrial fibrillation — anticoagulation prevents embolic stroke
  • Diabetes and high cholesterol
  • Smoking — doubles stroke risk
  • Obesity and physical inactivity

FAQ

Can stroke happen at any age? Yes — while stroke risk increases with age, 10–15% of strokes occur in people under 45. Young stroke causes include cardiac emboli, thrombophilia, and cervical artery dissection.