A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a vessel bleeds, and every minute of delay means more brain cells lost. The BE-FAST checklist helps you spot it. Balance: sudden loss of balance or dizziness. Eyes: sudden blurred or lost vision in one or both eyes. Face: one side of the face droops when the person smiles. Arm: one arm drifts downward when both are raised. Speech: slurred or confused speech. Time: note when symptoms began and get help immediately.
Do not wait to see whether symptoms pass, and do not give food, drink or medicines by mouth because swallowing may be affected. Tell the emergency team exactly when the person was last seen well, as this determines which treatments are possible. High blood pressure is the biggest controllable risk factor for stroke, which is why consistent monitoring and taking prescribed medication matter so much.