The FAST Test — Act Now
FAST — Call 999 / 911 ImmediatelyF — FACE drooping: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop? | A — ARM weakness: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down? | S — SPEECH difficulty: Slurred, garbled, or unable to speak? | T — TIME to call emergency services NOW. Do not wait. Do not drive yourself.
Other Stroke Warning Signs
- Sudden severe headache — 'worst headache of my life' (subarachnoid haemorrhage)
- Sudden vision loss or double vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or difficulty understanding speech
What Happens at Hospital
| Test / Treatment | Purpose | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CT scan (urgent) | Distinguish between ischaemic (clot) and haemorrhagic (bleed) stroke | Within 25 minutes of arrival |
| MRI brain | More detailed imaging — shows smaller strokes | Within hours |
| Blood tests (glucose, FBC, clotting) | Rule out hypoglycaemia mimicking stroke; check before thrombolysis | Immediate |
| ECG | Look for atrial fibrillation (AF) — cause of 20% of strokes | Immediate |
| Thrombolysis (tPA) | Clot-busting drug for ischaemic stroke | Within 4.5 hours of onset |
| Thrombectomy | Mechanical clot removal in large vessel strokes | Up to 24 hours in selected patients |
TIA — 'Mini-Stroke' — Also an Emergency
A TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) has the same symptoms as a stroke but resolves within 24 hours (usually minutes). It is NOT safe to ignore — 10–15% of TIA patients have a major stroke within 48 hours. Call 999 or go to A&E immediately even if symptoms resolve.
ABCD2 ScoreTIA clinics assess stroke risk after TIA using the ABCD2 score. High scores (≥4) mean very high 48-hour stroke risk and require urgent hospital admission or same-day specialist assessment.
Can you have a stroke without the FAST signs?
Yes. Posterior circulation strokes (affecting the back of the brain) may present with dizziness, double vision, difficulty swallowing, or sudden falls without classic FAST signs. If in doubt, call 999.
What increases stroke risk?
Atrial fibrillation (5× risk), high blood pressure (most important modifiable risk), diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, previous TIA. Many of these are detected with blood tests and ECG.
What blood tests are done after stroke?
FBC, glucose (hypoglycaemia mimics stroke), electrolytes, clotting (before thrombolysis), cardiac enzymes, lipid profile, HbA1c (check for undiagnosed diabetes), and INR (if on warfarin).
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.