A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. The longer untreated, the greater the degree of brain damage. When an artery to the brain blocks or ruptures, brain cells in the area die from lack of oxygen. Sometimes this can result in death.

Warning signs - Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs), or mini strokes, can be an important warning sign that a stroke may occur in the future. TIAs generally last for no longer than 60 minutes.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of both stroke and TIA could be one or a combination of the following:

• A numb or weak feeling in the face, arm or leg

• Trouble speaking or understanding

• Unexplained dizziness

• Blurred or poor vision in one or both eyes

• Loss of balance, unexplained fall

• Difficulty swallowing

• Headache (usually severe or of abrupt onset), unexplained change in the pattern of headaches

• Confusion

FAST is a simple way to remember the signs of a stroke:

• Face Can the person smile? Has his/her mouth or eye drooped?

• Arms Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms?

• Speech Is his/her speech slurred? Can they understand what you say?

• Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away

First aid

• Call the ambulance immediately

• Stay with the casualty, reassure

• Do not give anything to eat or drink

• If conscious – place in position of comfort, a pillow behind the head is often helpful to maintain posture and balance

• If unconscious – place on side with the facial droop facing down, follow abcd

• Place on side if vomiting or if fluid comes from the mouth

• Monitor until ambulance arrives