BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015

General advice Common first symptoms of stroke include: • sudden weakness and/or numbness of face, arm and/or leg especially on one side of the body • sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes • sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying • sudden loss of balance or an unexplained fall or difficulty controlling movements, especially with any of the other signs. How can you tell if someone is having a stroke? By learning to recognise the symptoms of stroke you could save a life! Learn the FAST check. Face Smile – is one side drooping? Arms Raise both arms – is one side weak? Speech Speak – unable to? Words jumbled, slurred? Time Act fast and call 111. Time lost may mean brain lost Stroke is always a medical emergency. Even if the symptoms go away quickly or don’t cause pain call 111 immediately 49

BOPDHB Patient Resources Fractured Neck of Femur Patient Handbook- May 2015 | Page 51