As many stroke survivors can tell you, there are often early signs of stroke.

The FAST test is an easy way to recognise and remember the most common signs of a stroke.

The FAST test stands for:

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.

All the signs of both stroke and TIA may be any one, or combination of the following:

• Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
• Loss of vision, sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
• Headache, usually severe and of abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
• Difficulty swallowing

Look out for the signs of stroke and live

Stroke is always a medical emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms yourself or recognise them in someone else, call 000 even if the symptoms last for only a short time.

Women and stroke signs

The National Stroke Foundation encourages Australians to look out for the signs of stroke by remembering the simple acronym FAST – face, arms, speech and time. Evidence has shown that the signs in the FAST test will enable identification of around 90% of strokes. While there is emerging evidence to suggest that women may have unique stroke symptoms, much more research is needed to confirm this. The National Stroke Foundation will continue to encourage women to save lives by remembering “Think F.A.S.T, act FAST”.