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Recognising a Stroke - Act FAST

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What is a Stroke?

Recognising a Stroke - Act F.A.S.T.

The FAST test covers the main symptoms which should alert you to the possibility that a stroke is happening.

When Stroke Strikes ACT F.A.S.T.

  1. Face – Has their face fallen on one side?  Can they smile?
  1. Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
  1. Speech – Is their  speech slurred?
  1. Time – time to call 999 If you see any single one of these signs

If a person has one or more of these symptoms they should call 999 immediately. Quick action can prevent further damage to the brain and can help a person make a full recovery.

It is important not to ignore temporary symptoms that disappear within a few minutes or hours as this could mean that a person has had a TIA (or mini stroke) which could be a warning sign that a bigger stroke will follow.

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