Stroke
Step 1: Check Symptoms
- New weakness, incoordination, numbness of the face, arm or leg on either side of the body.
- New difficulty in speaking or understanding.
- Sudden onset of dizziness or loss of balance.
- Sudden loss of vision, or blurring in one or both eyes.
- Sudden headache, usually severe.
- Sudden onset swallowing difficulty.
- Sudden reduced level of consciousness.
Click image to visit the Stroke Foundation website
The Stroke Foundation recommends the FAST test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of a stroke:
Using the FAST test involves asking these simple questions:
- 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.