A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted (ischaemic stroke) or when a blood vessel bleeds into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells begin to die within minutes. Treatments such as clot-dissolving medicines and mechanical thrombectomy work best when given early — often within a few hours of symptom onset. Recognising warning signs and acting fast is the single most important step anyone can take.
Remember FAST
FAST is a simple checklist used worldwide:
Face — drooping on one side. Ask the person to smile; one side may not move normally.
Arms — weakness or numbness. Ask them to raise both arms; one may drift downward.
Speech — slurred, strange, or absent. Ask them to repeat a short sentence.
Time — note when symptoms started and call emergency services immediately.
Do not wait to see if symptoms pass. Even if they improve, transient symptoms (a “mini-stroke” or TIA) require urgent assessment — they warn of high risk for a major stroke soon after.
Other stroke symptoms to know
Stroke can present in other ways, especially in women and older adults:
Sudden severe headache — often described as the worst headache of life (may suggest bleeding)
Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or double vision
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
Confusion or reduced consciousness
Sudden numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty swallowing
What to do while help is on the way
Call the local emergency number or go directly to a hospital with stroke and neuro emergency capability. Note the exact time symptoms began — treatment windows are calculated from that moment. Keep the person safe: lay them down if weak, turn their head to the side if vomiting, and do not give food or drink (swallowing may be impaired). Do not drive yourself if you are the one affected; ambulance teams can start care en route.
What happens at the hospital
Emergency teams perform a rapid assessment and CT scan to distinguish bleeding from blockage. Blood tests, blood pressure management, and monitoring begin immediately. Ischaemic stroke may be treated with thrombolysis (clot-busting medication) if within the approved time window and there are no contraindications. Large-vessel blockages may need thrombectomy — a procedure to physically remove the clot — performed by interventional neuroradiology or neurosurgery teams.
Haemorrhagic stroke requires blood pressure control, reversal of thinners when applicable, and sometimes emergency surgery to relieve pressure or repair a ruptured aneurysm. Neurosurgeons and intensivists work together in ICU after the acute phase.
Recovery and prevention
Recovery varies widely. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy begin early when the patient is stable. Long-term prevention includes controlling blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation; stopping smoking; and taking prescribed antiplatelet or anticoagulant medicines. Secondary stroke prevention planning should start before discharge.
If you or a family member has risk factors — hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, previous TIA — discuss a prevention plan with your physician. When stroke strikes, time lost is brain lost. Act FAST.
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