"Be Aware! The Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke"

  Stroke, commonly known as partial or complete paralysis, is an emergency that can occur suddenly and have a severe impact on life. Recognising its early symptoms helps people receive treatment in time, reduce the severity of the condition, and improve the chance of recovering to a life close to normal.

Stroke occurs when part of the brain suddenly loses its blood supply, causing brain tissue to die. There are two main types:

1. Ischaemic Stroke
   This occurs when a blood clot or fatty plaque blocks a blood vessel supplying the brain, preventing enough oxygen from reaching the brain.
   It is the most common type and accounts for approximately 80% of stroke patients.
2. Haemorrhagic Stroke
   This occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures, causing bleeding within or around the brain.
   This increases pressure inside the skull and may damage nearby brain tissue.

Regardless of the type of stroke, early treatment greatly improves the chance of survival and reduces permanent disability, especially within the “golden period” of no more than 4 hours and 30 minutes after symptoms begin.

A method widely used around the world to remember stroke symptoms easily and accurately is the B.E.F.A.S.T. principle, an abbreviation for six important early signs:

 

B – Balance (Balance)

A person experiencing a stroke may suddenly lose balance, walk unsteadily, fall, or feel dizzy without a clear cause. Some may also experience vertigo and nausea. These symptoms usually occur suddenly and are not the same as a chronic headache or ordinary fatigue.

 

E – Eyes (Eyesight)

Vision problems may occur during a stroke, including double vision, blurred vision, or seeing only half of the visual field without realising it. A person may suddenly lose vision in one eye or develop a blind spot. These symptoms appear quickly and differ from ordinary eyesight problems.

F – Face (Face)

Facial changes are another easily observed sign, such as facial drooping, a lowered corner of the mouth, an uneven smile, or reduced facial expression on one side. These symptoms usually affect only one side of the face and result from weakness in facial muscles controlled by the damaged opposite side of the brain.

 

A – Arms (Arms and Legs)

Weakness or numbness in the arm or leg on one side of the body is one of the most common important symptoms. The person may be unable to raise an arm or may feel numbness from the shoulder to the fingers. Leg weakness may make walking impossible or cause sudden collapse. Symptoms occur abruptly and usually affect one side of the body.

 

S – Speech (Speech)

Speech abnormalities include slurred speech, slow speech, inability to speak, or inability to understand others. They often occur suddenly without previous symptoms. Some people may have a stiff tongue, unclear pronunciation, or be unable to form sentences, indicating that the brain area controlling communication has been affected.

 

T – Time (Time)

Time is the most important factor in stroke. If any of the symptoms above are found, call the 1669 emergency hotline immediately so emergency medical services can assist and take the patient to hospital as quickly as possible for diagnosis and treatment within the “golden period,” which is within 4 hours and 30 minutes after symptoms begin.

The sooner treatment begins, the better the chance that clot-dissolving medication, in cases of an ischaemic or blocked-vessel stroke, will work effectively and minimise brain damage.

 

The Importance of Recognising Early Symptoms

Stroke often occurs suddenly without advance warning, and some patients do not realise they are facing an emergency. It is therefore extremely important for people nearby to know how to recognise symptoms using BEFAST. Rapid transport to hospital greatly increases the chance of receiving treatment and rehabilitation and returning to a life close to normal.

 

Stroke Prevention

Although stroke can occur suddenly, it may be prevented through appropriate health care, such as:

• Keep blood pressure within the normal range
• Check blood-sugar and blood-lipid levels regularly
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol
• Maintain body weight within a healthy range
• Exercise regularly
• Have an annual health check, especially when chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood lipids are present

 

Stroke is a serious condition that can occur at any time, especially among older adults or people with chronic conditions. Learning the early warning signs through the B.E.F.A.S.T. principle is the key to recognising and responding immediately when a real emergency occurs.

If any of the symptoms above are found, call 1669 immediately without hesitation. A decision made within only a few minutes may determine whether a person returns to normal life, lives with permanent disability, or loses their life.

Remember Clearly

• B – Balance: Sudden balance problems
• E – Eyes: Changes in vision
• F – Face: Facial drooping
• A – Arms: Weakness in the arms or legs
• S – Speech: Abnormal speech
• T – Time: Call 1669 immediately

Every second matters. Every minute means brain tissue.