The NHS has issued a warning today, Sunday, May 3 over symptoms that ‘might not seem like much’ at first
Robert Rowlands Deputy editor, money and lifestyle hub
11:08, 03 May 2026Updated 11:10, 03 May 2026
The NHS has today issued a warning on X(Image: Nitat Termmee via Getty Images)
The NHS has issued a warning urging people to be vigilant for symptoms that could signal a medical emergency. The health service shared guidance on X on Sunday, May 3, saying that the initial signs may appear insignificant at first glance.
The NHS warning said: “The first sign of a stroke might not seem like much – struggling to smile, being unable to lift an arm, or slurred speech. But any sign of a stroke is always an emergency. Face or arm or speech – at the first sign, it’s time to call 999.”
The main symptoms of a stroke can appear without warning and may include:
face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall) and it might be hard to smilearm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 armspeech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused
The simplest way to recall these symptoms is the acronym FAST. This stands for: face, arms, speech and time to call 999.
You may need to call 999(Image: FS Productions via Getty Images)
There are additional signs that you or someone nearby may be experiencing a stroke. These include:
feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)finding it difficult to speak or think of wordsconfusion and memory lossa severe headachefeeling dizzy or falling overblurred vision or loss of sight in 1 or both eyesweakness or numbness down 1 side of your body
Stroke symptoms can sometimes subside after a brief period, leading you to believe you have recovered. Even so, it is vital to seek medical attention immediately. While the risk of stroke increases with age, it can strike at any age.
Call 999 immediately if:
you believe you are having, or have had, a strokeyou have experienced signs of a stroke within the last 24 hours, even if they have since stopped
The Stroke Association states that a stroke can affect anyone, regardless of age, at any time. Knowing how to recognise the signs of a stroke in yourself or others is absolutely essential.
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A stroke is a medical emergency requiring urgent attention, as every single minute counts. If you or someone nearby experiences any of the symptoms below, do not delay. Call 999 immediately.
How long do symptoms of a stroke last?
Symptoms differ from person to person but typically come on suddenly. If the symptoms only persist for a short period of time, it could be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also referred to as a mini-stroke.
It remains important to call 999 and seek urgent medical attention. A TIA is a medical emergency and serves as a warning that you are at risk of suffering a full stroke. Find out more about strokes on the NHS website.