Remembering the acronym FAST can help save lives since it stands for the main symptoms of a stroke – face, arms, speech and time to act, according to an awareness campaign launched yesterday.

“Face: check their face. Has their mouth drooped? Arms: can they lift both arms? Speech: is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time: is critical.

“If you notice any of these warning signs, act FAST. Call the emergency medical services on 112 or get to Mater Dei as soon as possible,” the medical authorities said as they elaborated on the details of the campaign.

It was launched on World Stroke Day by the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate together with the Department of Neurosciences within Mater Dei Hospital.

About 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke each year. In 2011, 615 people who were admitted to Mater Dei Hospital had suffered a stroke.

A stroke occurs when parts of the brain become damaged or die. This can happen in one of two ways: either when a clot blocks the blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. A stroke can manifest itself in a variety of ways, depending on which part of the brain is affected. The most common signs are sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding others, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance or coordination, and sudden severe headache with no known cause.

The directorate is also launching a new leaflet called Stop Stroke Fast, giving details on how to prevent and recognise stroke. For more information contact the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate on 2326 6000.