How to spot the warning signs of a mini-stroke

Getting treatment for a mini-stroke as soon as it happens can prevent the damage caused by a major stroke.

So what are the symptoms to look out for?

Mini-stroke sufferer report very different experiences, but most of them describe feeling odd.

Symptoms can build up gradually, or happen all at once.

There are three key things to check if you or someone near you is feeling ill:

Face: is there any sign of facial weakness? Any asymmetry in the smile or eyes? Are the mouth or eyes drooping?

Arms: any weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms? Can both arms be raised? Can both hands be felt and used?

Speech: is the persons speech affected? Can they understand you, and make themselves understood?

If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, phone 999 immediately.

The Stroke Association believes that fast action could prevent thousands of strokes every year, and their motto is just that - FAST.