Stroke: Act FAST

Other Stroke Symptoms (Beyond FAST)

The Stroke Association promotes BE-FAST, adding two additional warning signs that are commonly missed:

• Balance — sudden loss of balance or coordination, unexplained dizziness, difficulty walking
• Eyes — sudden blurred, double or loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Sudden severe headache — described as "the worst headache of my life" (may indicate subarachnoid haemorrhage)
• Sudden numbness or tingling — especially on one side of the body (face, arm or leg)
• Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding what others are saying

These additional symptoms are particularly relevant for strokes affecting the posterior (back) of the brain, where the classic FAST signs may be absent.

What to Do: Step by Step

1. 1

   Call 999 Immediately

   Say "I think someone is having a stroke." Tell them the exact address. Note the time symptoms started — this is critical information for hospital treatment decisions. Stay on the line and follow operator instructions.

2. 2

   Keep the Person Calm and Still

   Help them sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Do not give them anything to eat or drink — stroke can affect swallowing and there is a choking risk. Keep them warm if needed.

3. 3

   Stay With Them

   Do not leave the person alone. Reassure them that help is coming. Try to keep them calm — anxiety increases blood pressure. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck.

4. 4

   If They Become Unconscious

   Check for breathing. If breathing normally, place in the recovery position (on their side, upper knee bent forward). If not breathing, start CPR immediately and tell the 999 operator. See our Unconscious Person guide.

5. 5

   Meet the Ambulance

   If possible, have someone wait outside to direct the ambulance. Gather the person's medications, GP details and any relevant medical history to pass to the paramedics.

What NOT to Do

TIA — Mini-Stroke

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) produces the same FAST symptoms as a stroke but they resolve — usually within minutes to hours — without lasting damage. However, a TIA is a serious medical emergency:

• Around 1 in 10 people who have a TIA will have a full stroke within 2 days
• Call 999 — do not wait for a GP appointment
• Even if symptoms have resolved, the person needs urgent assessment
• Prompt treatment with aspirin and other medications can dramatically reduce stroke risk

What Happens at Hospital

Stroke is treated as a time-critical emergency. On arrival (or advance warning from ambulance), the hospital stroke team will:

• Perform a brain scan (CT or MRI) to determine whether the stroke is ischaemic (blocked blood vessel) or haemorrhagic (bleeding)
• For ischaemic stroke: administer clot-busting medication (thrombolysis) if within the 4.5-hour treatment window, or perform mechanical thrombectomy to remove the clot
• For haemorrhagic stroke: manage blood pressure and may require surgery
• Admit to a specialist stroke unit for ongoing monitoring and early rehabilitation

The stroke team will include stroke doctors and nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and social workers.

Stroke Recovery and Home Care

After a stroke, many people return home and require ongoing support. See our Stroke Recovery Care guide for detailed information on:

• What to expect in the weeks and months after stroke
• How home care supports stroke rehabilitation
• Managing common stroke effects at home
• Funding options for stroke care

The Stroke Association provides support, information and local groups: 0303 3033 100