When You Suspect a Stroke
A stroke is a 112 / 108 emergency. Call immediately — every minute of delay means more brain damage. Don't wait to "see if it passes."
Use the FAST test
- F — Face: Ask them to smile. Does one side droop?
- A — Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift down or can't lift?
- S — Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is it slurred or jumbled?
- T — Time: If any of these are present, it's time to call emergency services now — and note the time symptoms started.
While waiting for the ambulance
- Keep them calm, sitting or lying with head slightly raised.
- Do not give food, drink, or medication — swallowing may be affected.
- Note the exact time symptoms began — this is critical for treatment decisions.
- Stay with them; reassure them; gather their medicines list and ID for the hospital.
The time symptoms started decides which treatments are possible — clot-busting treatment has a tight window. "We waited to see if it improved" is the most heartbreaking sentence in stroke care. If FAST is positive, call immediately, even if symptoms seem to be easing.
General information only, not medical advice. In any emergency, call 112 / 108 and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of a stroke in an elderly person?
Use the FAST test: Face drooping on one side (ask them to smile), Arm weakness on one side (ask them to raise both arms), Speech slurred or strange (ask them to repeat a simple sentence), Time to call for emergency help immediately. Other signs include: sudden severe headache unlike any before, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, sudden confusion or trouble understanding. Stroke symptoms can be subtle in older adults — act immediately even if you're not sure.
What number should I call if I think my parent in India is having a stroke?
Call 108 (ambulance) immediately. Tell them you suspect a stroke — the word 'stroke' (or 'paralysis' in Hindi: 'paralysis ho gaya') should trigger a faster response. If 108 is slow, call 112 (unified emergency). Time is critical: for ischemic stroke, clot-dissolving treatment (tPA) is most effective within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Do not let your parent 'wait to see if it passes' — get them to the nearest stroke-capable hospital immediately.
Can I help my parent through a stroke from abroad?
Yes — stay on video call if at all possible so you can assess symptoms and keep your parent calm. While someone local calls 108, you should: call the ambulance yourself on 108 if no one else can, call the nearest hospital directly to alert them a possible stroke case is coming, and begin contacting local relatives or neighbours to go to your parent immediately. Know in advance which hospital near your parents has a stroke unit — share this information with carers and neighbours now, before an emergency happens.