Recognizing Stroke Warning Signs: What to Do

Knowing the signs of an impending stroke can save your life. A stroke is an attack on the brain, and the sooner you react, the more likely you will be able to lessen the severity of the stroke. If you suspect you or someone you're with is having a stroke, seek immediate medical attention.

Transient Ischaemic Attacks

• Transient ischaemic attacks, called TIAs, are precursors to a stroke, which is why a TIA is known as a warning stroke. A TIA is similar to having a stroke.

The Definition of TIA

• When you are having a TIA, the blood flow to your brain may be cut temporarily. There may be a blockage in the artery that provides blood to your brain.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of a stroke can appear quickly, and may include numbness in the extremities and face, dizziness, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, loss of balance and a severe, persistent headache that cannot be alleviated.

Duration

• A person who is experiencing TIA may have the symptoms for just a few minutes or for as long as 24 hours. There may be no lasting effects.

FAST

• FAST is a way to identify if a person is experiencing a stroke or TIA. F stands for facial weakness, A for arm weakness, S for speech difficulty, and T for time to act.

Medical Attention

• Strokes can be life-threatening. It is important to recognize the signs so you can act immediately.