The Warning Signs Most People Miss, Until It's Too Late

Your loved one suddenly seems confused. Their speech becomes unclear, and their smile looks uneven.

Would you recognise these as warning signs of a stroke?

A stroke can happen suddenly and without warning. Knowing how to recognise the signs could make a life-changing difference for someone you care about.

The F.A.S.T. Signs Everyone Should Know¹˒²

Stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. A simple way to remember the key warning signs is the F.A.S.T. acronym:

F — Face
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A — Arms
Can they raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?

S — Speech
Is their speech slurred, confused, or difficult to understand?

T — Time
If you notice any of these signs, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Other warning signs may include sudden vision problems, severe headaches with no obvious cause, dizziness, or loss of balance.²

Knowing these warning signs can help you act quickly when every minute counts.

Recognising These Symptoms Could Save a Life

Every minute counts during a stroke.

Many people delay seeking help because they are unsure whether the symptoms are serious. Unfortunately, waiting can increase the risk of long-term disability and other complications.

Recognising the warning signs early and acting quickly can make a significant difference.

Remember: F.A.S.T. recognition leads to F.A.S.T. action.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Take the First Step Today

While recognising the signs of stroke is important, preventing a stroke before it happens is even better.

Stroke prevention should be effective, sustainable, and financially manageable.

Visit our Stroke Prevention Microsite to learn about stroke risk factors, discover practical prevention strategies, and explore ways to protect both your health and your future.

References:

  1. Niagara Therapy. (2022, December 13). 4 FAST identifiers of a stroke and stroke rehabilitation. https://niagaratherapyllc.com/4-fast-identifiers-of-a-stroke-and-stroke-rehabilitation/ 

  2. Simpson, J., Jones, J., & Harris, G. (2024, January 29). Stroke signs and symptoms. Stroke Association. https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/symptoms

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