Am I Having a Stroke?
When it comes to a stroke, a quick response can make a world of difference. A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage.
The Stroke Foundation has developed an easy-to-remember test to check for the most common symptoms of a stroke.
FACE – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away. What to do while you wait for an ambulance
Other Signs of a Stroke:
Facial weakness, arm weakness, and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of a stroke, but they are not the only signs.
The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination:
- Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
- Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
Sometimes the signs disappear within a short time, such as a few minutes. When this happens, it may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and an opportunity to prevent this from happening.
For more information, visit The Stroke Foundation – Signs of Stroke.
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