Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Stroke

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Every minute counts: recognise the signs and call 912 immediately.

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A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or tears. Brain cells then receive too little oxygen or are damaged by bleeding. Every minute counts: call Ambulance 912 immediately for a sudden loss of function, even if it goes away again.

  • Think FAST: Face (drooping mouth), Arm (arm weakness), Speech (speech problem), Time (call 912 immediately).
  • Sudden problems with vision, loss of balance, numbness on one side, confusion or an unusually severe headache can also be a stroke.
  • Note when symptoms started or when the person was last seen without symptoms.
  • Do not let the person drive themselves and do not give food, drink or medicines, including aspirin, unless the emergency service tells you to.
  • Prompt hospital treatment can reduce brain damage and lasting disability.

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Further reading

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A
A paralysed arm or leg, facial droop or problems speaking, swallowing or seeingSudden facial droop, a weak or paralysed arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, understanding, swallowing or seeing may be a stroke or TIA. Do not wait, even if symptoms disappear: note when the person was last without symptoms, give nothing to eat, drink or swallow, and call Ambulance 912 immediately.
R
Ruptured brain aneurysmA ruptured weak spot in a blood vessel in the head is usually a ruptured brain aneurysm. This causes sudden bleeding around the brain. The classic symptom is an extremely severe headache that starts very suddenly and reaches maximum intensity within seconds to minutes. This is an emergency: call Ambulance 912 immediately.
C
Carotid artery stenosisIn carotid artery stenosis, atherosclerotic plaque narrows the passage for blood to the eye and brain. The narrowing itself often causes no sensation in the neck, but material that breaks away may cause a TIA or stroke. New loss of facial, arm, speech or visual function is therefore an immediate emergency, even if it disappears within minutes.