People have ben urged to make themselves aware of the list of symptoms that could indicate a stroke, including some more uncommon signs that many may be unfamiliar with.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off either by a blood clot or a burst blood vessel, and it can be life-threatening or lead to life-changing effects including brain damage and paralysis. Urgent treatment for a stroke is essential, as the sooner a person is treated, the less lasting damage they are likely to have from the condition.
The acronym FAST is often used to remember the four main symptoms of a stroke. This stands for: Face - which may have dropped on one side or around the mouth or eye; Arms - which may have gone weak or numb, resulting in the person not being able to lift them above their head and keep them there; Speech - which may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all; and Time - which means it's time to call 999 immediately if you spot any of these signs.
