A stroke does not always begin with someone collapsing. It may first appear as an uneven smile, a suddenly weak arm, or words that no longer come out clearly.

If you suspect a stroke, call for emergency medical help immediately. Do not wait to see whether the person improves. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa warns that a stroke may not be painful, which can make its signs easier to dismiss.

With World Stroke Day on 29 October, this is useful knowledge to share at home and at work. South Africa’s National Stroke Week runs from 28 October to 3 November 2026. 

Remember FAST

The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends FAST as a simple way to recognise common warning signs:

• F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
• A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down or fail to lift?
• S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred, strange or difficult to understand?
• T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if you notice any of these signs. Note when the symptoms began.

You do not need to see all three symptoms before seeking help.

Balance and Vision Matter Too

FAST does not cover every possible sign. Netcare uses the expanded reminder BE FAST, adding:

• B — Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination.
• E — Eyes: Sudden vision changes, including blurred vision or loss of sight.

Sudden weakness or numbness in a leg or on one side of the body can also be a warning sign. 

What to Do Immediately

In South Africa, call 112 from a cellphone or 10177 for an ambulance. 

Tell the call handler that you suspect a stroke, describe the symptoms and give your exact location. Follow their instructions.

Note the time symptoms started or were first noticed. Do not delay calling while trying to establish the exact time. Netcare stresses that urgent treatment can reduce stroke damage and improve recovery chances. 

Do not give aspirin as a home treatment for a suspected stroke. Some strokes involve bleeding rather than a clot, and aspirin can make that bleeding worse.

If the Symptoms Disappear, Still Get Help

Symptoms that clear after a few minutes can be misleading. A transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, can produce temporary stroke-like symptoms.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation says a suspected stroke or TIA should be treated as a medical emergency. Feeling better does not mean you can skip urgent assessment. 

There Are Ways to Reduce Your Risk

A stroke occurs when a blockage or bleeding interrupts blood flow to part of the brain. Treatment depends on the type, which is why prompt medical assessment matters.

South Africa’s Department of Health identifies managing high blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding tobacco, being physically active and limiting alcohol as important ways to reduce stroke risk. 

A practical starting point is to have your blood pressure checked and discuss your individual risk with a healthcare professional.

The Bottom Line

Save the emergency numbers and share FAST with the people around you. You do not have to diagnose a stroke yourself. Recognising a sudden change and calling promptly can help someone reach treatment sooner.