A stroke is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies in medicine. But it is often misunderstood, delayed, or mistaken for “fatigue,” “stress,” or “pressure.” The result is avoidable disability — or death.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists classic stroke symptoms as sudden weakness or numbness (especially one side), confusion or trouble speaking, vision problems, trouble walking/dizziness/loss of balance, and a sudden severe headache with no known cause. The key word is sudden.

FAST: the shortcut your family should memorise

• F — Face: Does one side droop? Ask them to smile.
• A — Arms: Can they raise both arms? Does one drift down?
• S — Speech: Is speech slurred or strange?
• T — Time: Act immediately. This is not a “wait and see” moment.

What is happening inside the body

Most strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain (ischaemic stroke). Some are caused by bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke). Either way, brain cells start dying quickly when oxygen delivery fails. That is why minutes matter: early treatment can protect brain tissue and reduce disability.

Why people delay — and what to do instead

Delays often happen because symptoms are painless or confusing. Someone may feel “clumsy” or “off,” then rest. But stroke is not fatigue. If symptoms are sudden and neurological (speech, face, one-side weakness), treat it as an emergency.

Who is at risk

High blood pressure is the major risk driver. Diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, and certain irregular heart rhythms also raise risk. The painful truth is that many people discover they had hypertension only after a stroke.

What families should do in the moment

• Seek emergency care immediately.
• Do not give random medication, food, or drink if swallowing is affected.
• Note the exact time symptoms started — clinicians need this.

Bottom line: Stroke is a race against time. The most powerful intervention your household can make is recognising the signs early and escalating fast.