Specialist RAH stroke service highlighted as residents urged to act FAST

Do you know the main symptoms of a stroke? Use the FAST test. If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, dial 999 straight away.

A specialist thrombolysis service was introduced at the Royal Alexandra Hospital at the end of 2022. It is a type of medical procedure which dissolves stroke-causing blood clots – restoring blood flow to the brain.

However, the procedure must be carried out within the first few hours of symptoms starting, and any delay can potentially result in a substantial loss of brain tissue and functional abilities.

The main symptoms can be easily remembered using the ‘FAST’ test: Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999.

• Face – Has the person’s face fallen on one side? Has their eye or mouth drooped, and are they able to smile? 
• Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there? 
• Speech – Is their speech slurred or garbled? The person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake and they may have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
• Time – It’s time to dial 999 immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nhsggc.scot/specialist-rah-stroke-service-highlighted-as-residents-urged-to-act-fast/