Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS· Last reviewed
A stroke is a “brain attack” — blood flow to part of the brain is cut off. Fast treatment can save brain tissue and prevent lasting disability, so recognising it and calling for help immediately is vital.
A — Arms: can they raise both arms? Does one drift down?
S — Speech: is it slurred or strange? Can they repeat a simple sentence?
T — Time: if you see any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.
Note the time symptoms started (it guides treatment).
Keep them comfortable; do not give food, drink or medicine.
When to see a doctor urgently
Any FAST sign is an emergency — call immediately, even if it seems to improve
Other signs: sudden numbness/weakness on one side, sudden confusion, vision loss, severe headache, loss of balance
Do not give aspirin (unlike a heart attack — a stroke can be a bleed)
Do not let them “sleep it off”
Time lost is brain lost. Clot-busting and other treatments work only within a few hours, so never wait. Do not give aspirin (a stroke may be a bleed). This is not a substitute for emergency care. Call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FAST test for stroke?
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Any one of these signs means act immediately.
Should I give aspirin for a stroke?
No — unlike a heart attack, a stroke can be caused by bleeding, and aspirin could make it worse. Just call emergency services.
What if the symptoms go away?
Still call for help — it may have been a “mini-stroke” (TIA), which is a serious warning of a possible bigger stroke and needs urgent assessment.
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.