PEOPLE are being urged to act fast to prevent lasting damage if they suspect someone has suffered a stroke. Health bosses at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and take immediate action if they think someone they know is a victim.

PEOPLE are being urged to act fast to prevent lasting damage if they suspect someone has suffered a stroke.

Health bosses at NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney are urging everyone to familiarise themselves with the symptoms and take immediate action if they think someone they know is a victim.

The call comes as the national Act Fast awareness campaign enters its second year.

Strokes are caused by clots or bleeds in the brain and lead to a loss of brain function. The symptoms people should look out for are:

Face weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?

Arm weakness - can they raise both arms?

Speech problems - can they speak clearly and understand what you say?

Time to call 999 - if they have any one of these symptoms call an ambulance immediately.