Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Bangladesh. Every minute without treatment, approximately 1.9 million brain cells die. The faster a stroke is recognised and treated, the better the chances of full recovery. The FAST test is a simple, memorable check anyone can perform.
The FAST Test
F — Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? An uneven smile is a key warning sign.
A — Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward, or can they not raise it at all? Arm weakness or numbness on one side is a classic stroke symptom.
S — Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase such as "The sky is blue." Is their speech slurred, strange, or impossible to understand? Are they unable to speak at all?
T — Time: If you observe any of the above symptoms, call 999 immediately. Note the exact time symptoms began — this information is critical for doctors choosing the right treatment.
Other Warning Signs
Beyond FAST, watch for sudden severe headache with no obvious cause (described by patients as "the worst headache of my life"), sudden vision problems in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking.
What to Do While Waiting for Help
Keep the person calm and as still as possible. Do not give them food or water — a stroke can affect swallowing. If they lose consciousness and stop breathing, begin CPR. Do not drive them to hospital yourself if an ambulance is available — emergency services can begin treatment on the way.
Risk Factors You Can Control
High blood pressure is the single greatest risk factor for stroke. Control it through medication, a low-salt diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. Diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and atrial fibrillation also significantly raise risk. Regular health check-ups are the first line of defence.