Stroke can happen to anyone, of any age, at any time. It's vital to know how to spot the signs of a stroke in yourself or someone else.

What to do if someone is having a stroke

Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention as every minute is vital. If you experience or spot any of the below, don’t wait. Call 999 straight away.

How to identify a stroke

Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery. Even if it doesn’t seem like much, any one of these signs of stroke is an emergency, so always call 999 immediately.

Ambulance paramedics are trained in stroke and will ensure the person receives emergency medical care and specialist treatment.

Other signs and symptoms of a stroke

The FAST test helps spot the three most common signs of stroke. But there are other signs and symptoms that you should always take seriously. These include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet.
• Difficulty finding words or speaking in clear sentences.
• Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes.
• Sudden memory loss or confusion.
• Sudden dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall.
• A sudden, severe headache.

If you spot any one of these signs or symptoms, don't wait. Call 999 straight away.

How long do symptoms last?

Symptoms vary between different people but often come on suddenly.

If the symptoms only last a short amount of time, it could be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. It is still vital to call 999 and get urgent medical attention. A TIA is a medical emergency and a warning that you are at risk of having a stroke.

Darren's Story

Darren Pryce, 56, from Rotherham, suffered a life-changing stroke in September 2022, despite maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. More than three years on, he says he has made an impressive recovery, estimating that he is now around “90% recovered”.

Married for 33 years and a father of three adult children, Darren spent four decades working in Sheffield’s steel industry for Special Quality Alloys Limited, building a successful international sales career that took him to more than 30 countries. A keen runner and fitness enthusiast, he had always prioritised staying active and healthy, making the stroke an event he never expected to experience.

Darren explained what happened leading up to his stroke: “I’d felt unwell earlier in the week and had some earache, but I still went to work and even went running as normal.

“The next morning, I woke up extremely ill with no balance, a headache, and I was constantly sick. I collapsed twice and couldn’t speak or stand properly. Then my face dropped.”

Darren’s wife, Helen, already knew about FAST and recognised Darren’s symptoms fitted this and immediately called for an ambulance. He was taken to Royal Hallamshire Hospital within the hour, where specialists quickly identified he had suffered a stroke affecting the left side of his brain in the medulla area.

Darren added: “I’m grateful that Helen was aware of FAST and recognised what was happening to me, because of this knowledge she didn’t delay in contacting 999. If she hadn’t been aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke, we might have put off seeking medical attention.”

After initial acute care, Darren continued his rehabilitation pathway at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust with support from specialist stroke teams, receiving 39 AMP Care sessions over several months as well as ongoing physiotherapy and psychological support.

Thankfully Darren is now almost fully recovered and is back in full-time work, travelling and running again.

Credit: The information about stroke and the FAST acronym on this page is from the Stroke Association Stroke signs and symptoms | Stroke Association