2 November 2026 (Navroze Bureau) A stroke is a medical emergency in which the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. When brain cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, they can begin to die within minutes. Recognising the warning signs early and getting immediate medical attention can help reduce the risk of severe brain damage, long-term disability and death.
Health experts often recommend remembering the phrase BE FAST to identify the common symptoms of a stroke. The acronym highlights six important warning signs: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. Knowing these signs can help individuals recognise a possible stroke in themselves or someone nearby.
What does BE FAST mean?
B – Balance
A sudden loss of balance or coordination can be an early warning sign of a stroke. A person may experience dizziness, difficulty walking, unsteadiness or trouble coordinating their movements. Sudden problems with balance, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms, should not be ignored.
E – Eyes
Sudden changes in vision can indicate a possible stroke. These may include blurred vision, double vision, partial loss of sight or difficulty seeing through one or both eyes. If someone suddenly experiences an unexplained change in vision, immediate medical assessment is important.
F – Face
Ask the person to smile and observe their face. One side may appear drooped or uneven, and the person may be unable to smile normally. Sudden facial weakness or numbness is a common warning sign.
A – Arms
Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward, feels weak or cannot be lifted properly, it may indicate a stroke. Sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body, requires urgent attention.
S – Speech
Listen carefully to the person’s speech. They may slur their words, speak unclearly, struggle to find the right words or have difficulty understanding what others are saying. Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. If their speech sounds unusual or they cannot repeat it properly, treat it as a possible warning sign.
T – Time to Call Emergency Services
Time is critical during a stroke. If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, call emergency services immediately. In India, dial 112 for emergency assistance. Do not wait to see whether the symptoms disappear.
Why is immediate treatment important?
A stroke can cause permanent damage if treatment is delayed. In an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain, doctors may use clot-dissolving medication or other procedures to restore circulation in eligible patients.
Some patients may be suitable for intravenous clot-busting treatment within approximately 4.5 hours of symptom onset. In selected cases, mechanical thrombectomy, a procedure to remove a clot from a blocked blood vessel, may be possible within a longer time window, sometimes up to 24 hours depending on medical assessment and brain imaging.
A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in or around the brain. Its treatment is different and may involve controlling bleeding, managing blood pressure or surgery.
This is why identifying the type of stroke through urgent medical evaluation is essential. Treatment decisions depend on the patient’s condition, the type of stroke and the time since symptoms began.
What should you do if someone shows stroke symptoms?
If someone suddenly develops facial weakness, arm weakness, speech difficulties, vision problems or loss of balance, take the following precautions:
- Call emergency services immediately. Do not delay while waiting for symptoms to improve.
- Note the exact time when symptoms first appeared or when the person was last known to be well.
- Do not give the person food, water or oral medication because swallowing may be affected.
- Do not give aspirin unless a doctor specifically advises it, as some strokes involve bleeding.
- Do not allow the person to drive themselves to the hospital.
- Stay with the person and monitor their condition until medical help arrives.
Even if symptoms disappear after a few minutes, medical attention is still necessary. This could be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, which can signal an increased risk of a future stroke.
Who is at risk of a stroke?
A stroke can happen to anyone, although the risk increases with age. Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the chances of developing one.
High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors. Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and certain heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation, can also increase stroke risk.
Family history and previous stroke or TIA may further increase a person’s risk.
Can strokes be prevented?
Many strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors and adopting healthier habits. Regular blood pressure checks, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding tobacco can help reduce risk.
People with heart conditions should follow their doctor’s treatment advice and attend regular medical check-ups. A balanced diet, adequate physical activity and limiting alcohol consumption are also important parts of stroke prevention.
Remember BE FAST: Every Minute Matters
Recognising a stroke early can make a significant difference to treatment and recovery. Sudden balance problems, vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulties should never be ignored.
The key message is simple: BE FAST and call for emergency medical help. Do not wait for all symptoms to appear. Even one sudden warning sign is enough to seek urgent medical attention.