What are the signs of a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency where the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off or a vessel bleeds. The signs come on suddenly. Most people recognise a drooping face, but the other signs are easy to miss.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 11.9 million new strokes worldwide in 2021 and calls stroke the third leading cause of death and disability [1]. In Malaysia in 2019 there were an estimated 47,911 new stroke cases [2]. It can happen to someone you know.
What is BE FAST?
BE FAST stands for Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech and Time. It is a quick check you can do in seconds.
- Balance: sudden loss of balance or dizziness.
- Eyes: sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Face: one side droops when the person smiles.
- Arm: one arm drifts down when both are raised.
- Speech: slurred, strange or missing words.
- Time: if you see any sign, call for help now.
A sudden severe headache, confusion or numbness on one side are also warnings. Any one sign is enough. You do not need all of them.
What should you do right away?
Call 999 and say you think someone is having a stroke. Give the address and the time the person was last well, not the time you found them. That time helps the doctors decide on treatment.
Stay with the person. Lay them down or sit them comfortably, loosen tight clothing and note any medicines. Do not give food, drink or tablets.
Which hospital should you go to?
Ipoh has emergency departments at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun and private hospitals such as Fatimah and Pantai Hospital Ipoh. The ambulance crew will usually take the person to the right one.
If you are travelling yourself, go to the nearest emergency department. Do not stop at a clinic first.
Bring the medicine list and tell the team about any blood thinner. Treatments for some strokes work only in the first hours, so each minute counts.
What about angin ahmar and home remedies?
Some families call a stroke angin ahmar or “wind”, and some try urut, coin scraping or herbal drinks first. These cannot reverse the cause, and the delay can cost the person function. Go to the hospital first.
You can ask a traditional healer for support afterwards if the doctor agrees.
What if my parent is alone in Ipoh?
If you live in KL or Singapore, you cannot rush there in time. Call 999 for your parent, give the address, then ring a neighbour. Keep your phone on and tell the hospital who you are.
Our stroke family guide explains how to share roles among relatives.
Think ahead. Share the house address, the neighbour’s phone number and the medicine list in your family chat so anyone can pass it on in an emergency.
What happens after the hospital?
Rehabilitation begins early and carries on at home. Our guide to recovery in the first three months explains what to expect. We offer stroke rehabilitation at home across Ipoh, working alongside the hospital team.
Our Canning Garden centre, near Fatimah Hospital, is opening soon. Home and centre prices differ and are quoted on WhatsApp.