Stroke

 A stroke causes damage to the brain. A common cause of stroke is a blood clot that forms in a brain artery. Immediate treatment may include a clot-busting medicine to dissolve the blood clot.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST: Face-Arms-Speech-Time.

• Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may have dropped
• Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift one or both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness
• Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake
• Time – it is time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms

Further information can be found at the following websites: