According to the NHS the main stroke symptoms can be remembered with the word FAST:
- Face – the face drops or the mouth or eye on one side droops
- Arms – the person is unable to lift their arm
- Speech – garbled or slurred speech or a loss of voice or loss of understanding of what you are saying to them
- Time – call 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- complete paralysis of one side of the body
- sudden loss or blurring of vision
- dizziness
- confusion
- difficulty understanding what others are saying
- problems with balance and co-ordination
- difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- a sudden and very severe headache resulting in a blinding pain unlike anything experienced before
- loss of consciousness
