NHS Borders urges you to learn the signs of stroke

Today on World Stroke Day, we are encouraging residents of the Borders and beyond to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and act quickly if you see them.

To spot the signs of stroke and react to them, the key is to remember the acronym FAST:

Face – Has their face drooped on one side? Can they smile?

Arms – Can they lift both arms and keep them there?

Speech – Is their speech slurred?

Time – Time is critical, so if you notice any of these symptoms, seek urgent medical help by calling 999.

Stroke remains one of the main causes of death in the UK and it is thought that as many as 100,000 strokes happen every year. When someone has a stroke, the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, which damages brain cells. This is why acting quickly can make such a huge difference to reducing a stroke’s severity and increasing a person’s chance of survival.

Dr Lynn McCallum, Medical Director at NHS Borders, said: “Every minute is critical when it comes to spotting the signs of a stroke. Reacting quickly can not only reduce the long-term effects of a stroke – it can save lives. 

“Try to pay particular attention to family members, friends or neighbours who may be at higher risk – if they are showing any signs of a stroke, react quickly, and call 999 immediately. Time is the most powerful tool that we have to combat the severity of strokes.”

You can find out more information about the signs, symptoms, causes and recovery process of strokes here on the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland website.