stroke

Strokes are caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain. Part of the brain becomes damaged, and this can affect people’s appearance, bodily functions, speech and sight.

Think F.A.S.T. Face: is there weakness on one side of their face? Arms: can they raise both arms? Speech: is their speech easily understood? Time: to call 999.

A stroke needs immediate attention, and the faster the person receives medical help, the less damage is caused. Talk to the person to reassure them while you wait for the ambulance.

Use the information below the video to remind yourself how to help someone who is having a stroke.

How can I help the person if they are frightened or anxious? Keep yourself calm so you can think more clearly and help the person who’s having the stroke. Help them sit or lie down and reassure them that help is on its way.

Why do people have symptoms like a drooping face, a weak arm and slurred speech when they have a stroke?

The reduced blood flow produced the slurred speech, he said.

Strokes are caused by an interruption in blood supply to the brain. Brain cells become damaged and begin to die, which affects the body’s functions.

This may result in facial or limb weakness (sometimes only in one limb and sometimes down one side of the body).

Many people live with artificial limbs.

Somebody who is having a stroke may have difficulty speaking clearly. Continue to reassure them until medical help arrives.

Why does a stroke tend to affect only one side of the body? The right half of your brain controls the left side of your body and vice versa. If a stroke damages the right side of the brain, symptoms will often occur on the left side of the body