Stroke Signs (FAST): what to look for and what to do
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
A stroke is a medical emergency. Use FAST: Face (has their face drooped on one side?), Arms (can they lift both arms and keep them there?), Speech (is it slurred or muddled?), Time (call your local emergency number straight away). Call even if the symptoms go away.
Overview
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. The quicker someone gets treatment, the less damage is likely. Some stroke treatments only work if given within a few hours.
Other signs can include sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden loss or blurring of vision, dizziness, confusion, difficulty understanding what others are saying, problems with balance, and a sudden, very severe headache. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) causes the same symptoms but they pass. It is a warning sign and needs urgent assessment too.
What may help
- Call your local emergency number immediately
- Note the time the symptoms started, as this affects treatment
- Do not give the person anything to eat or drink
- Stay with them and keep them comfortable, lying on their side if they are drowsy
- Do not wait to see if symptoms improve
If symptoms have passed
- Symptoms that went away within minutes or hours may have been a TIA: get urgent medical assessment the same day, and call your local emergency number if symptoms come back
- Do not drive yourself to hospital
When it could be an emergency
- Face drooping on one side
- Weakness or numbness in one arm or leg
- Slurred, muddled or lost speech
- Sudden loss of vision, severe dizziness, or a sudden severe headache
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Stroke Signs (FAST)" in the appCommon questions
What does FAST stand for?
Face, Arms, Speech, Time. If you see a drooping face, arm weakness or speech problems, it is time to call your local emergency number.
What should I do if stroke symptoms go away?
Still get urgent help. Symptoms that pass may have been a TIA (mini-stroke), which is a warning that a full stroke could follow.
Should I give aspirin to someone having a stroke?
No. Some strokes are caused by bleeding in the brain, and aspirin could make them worse. Do not give any medicine, food or drink.
Can young people have strokes?
Yes. Strokes are more common in older people, but they can happen at any age.
Official sources
Related topics
Chest Pain
Why it needs urgent attention and what to do.
Sudden Confusion (Delirium)
Sudden changes in thinking need urgent attention.
High Blood Pressure
What it means, lifestyle steps, and warning signs.
Headaches
Common causes, self-care, and red-flag symptoms.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.