The FAST test is an easy way to remember and recognise the signs of stroke. FAST stands for Face, Arms, Speech and Time to act.

Using the FAST test involves asking three simple questions:

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.

 

Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common signs of stroke, but are not the only signs. Other signs of stroke may include one, or a combination of:

  • 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 is decreased vision in one or both eyes
  • Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
  • Difficulty swallowing

 

The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination and they can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear.

 

When symptoms disappear within 24 hours, this episode is a mini stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.