Stroke Awareness

If you spot the signs of a stroke

Act F.A.S.T. Call 999 if you see any single one of the signs of a stroke.

You can help prevent a stroke by not smoking, drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, eating healthily, having regular exercise, and achieving a healthy body weight.

If you are aged 40 to 74 you may be eligible for an NHS Health Check, which can help spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or dementia. Contact your GP to book.

Early recognition of symptoms can give stroke patients those extra precious minutes, enabling faster access to specialist treatment and increasing the chances of a recovery which could reduce the long-term effects, such as a disability.

Face - has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

Arms - can they raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech - is their speech slurred or garbled? Can they talk at all? Do they understand you?

Time - even if you're not sure, call 999.

Please visit the NHS Stroke webpage for further information.