HealthInfo Canterbury
Stroke
Stroke is a term for when someone has had either a bleed or a blood clot in their brain, which damages the brain tissue and produces physical signs of disability.
Some people will develop symptoms similar to a stroke, but will fully recover within a few hours. This may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also called a mini stroke.
Important!
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone else is suffering from stroke symptoms, call 111 for an ambulance immediately.
Symptoms of stroke
Learn the FAST check to recognise the symptoms of a stroke:
- Face – Is their face drooping on one side? Can they smile?
- Arm – Is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?
- Speech – Is their speech jumbled or slurred? Can they speak at all?
- Time – Time is critical. Call 111 for an ambulance.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Reviewed June 2015.
Review key: HISTK-21790
