What does BE FAST mean for stroke?

BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech and Time. It helps you recognise sudden stroke signs and reminds you to call for emergency help straight away.

What should I do if stroke symptoms go away?

Still get emergency help. It may be a mini-stroke (TIA), which is a warning that a full stroke could follow, and it must be checked in hospital.

Why should I note the time stroke symptoms started?

Doctors use the time symptoms began to decide which treatments are possible, so tell the emergency team.

What number do I call for a stroke in Pakistan?

Call Rescue 1122 for an ambulance. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve.

Stroke Signs: BE FAST and What to Do

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to part of the brain. It is a medical emergency. The American Stroke Association says that, on average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life and reduce long-term disability.

What does BE FAST stand for?

B – Balance: sudden loss of balance, dizziness or trouble walking
E – Eyes: sudden trouble seeing or changes in vision
F – Face: one side of the face drooping. Ask the person to smile and see if one side falls.
A – Arms: weakness in one arm. Ask them to lift both arms and see if one drifts down.
S – Speech: slurred or strange speech, or confusion. Ask them to repeat a simple phrase.
T – Time: time to call for emergency help straight away

Some health services use the shorter FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech, Time). Both tests are there to help you act quickly.

What other signs can a stroke cause?

Watch for these symptoms, especially if they start suddenly:

Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
Confusion or trouble understanding what others are saying
Difficulty finding the right words
A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Feeling sick or being sick

What should you do if you think someone is having a stroke?

Call for an ambulance immediately. In Pakistan, call Rescue 1122.
Note the time the symptoms first started. Doctors use this to decide which treatments are possible.
Do not drive the person yourself unless there is truly no other option. Ambulance teams can start care on the way to hospital.
Stay with the person and tell the emergency team exactly what you saw.

What if the symptoms go away?

Still get emergency help. Symptoms that stop after a short time may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke. In a TIA, blood supply to the brain is blocked for a short time and the symptoms pass within 24 hours. At first, it is not possible to tell a TIA from a full stroke. The NHS warns that a TIA is a sign you may be at risk of a full stroke soon, so it must be checked in hospital right away.

Why does speed matter so much?

A stroke needs urgent hospital treatment because it can be life-threatening. The American Stroke Association says early treatment leads to higher survival rates and less disability. Every minute of delay means more brain damage.

When to get emergency help

Call Rescue 1122 straight away if you or someone near you has:

A drooping face, a weak arm or slurred speech
Sudden loss of balance or sudden vision problems
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
A sudden, severe headache unlike any before
Any of these signs in the last 24 hours, even if they have now stopped

In an emergency call Rescue 1122 where the service is available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Last reviewed against the sources above: 22 September 2026. This page gives general health information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace a doctor. See our editorial policy.