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What to do if…
someone develops sudden facial drooping or weakness on one side

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 immediately and say that you suspect a stroke. One sudden sign, including facial drooping or weakness on one side, is enough to make the call even if the person seems otherwise well or the symptoms start improving.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait for more symptoms or for the weakness to become worse.
  • Do not delay the 999 call while contacting a GP, NHS 111, relatives, or arranging transport.
  • Do not drive the person to A&E instead of calling 999.
  • Do not assume the symptoms are tiredness, Bell’s palsy, migraine, or a mini stroke.
  • Do not give food, drink, aspirin, or other medicine unless the 999 call handler or a clinician tells you to.
  • Do not make the person walk around to test the weakness.
  • Do not leave the person alone.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Clearly say that the person has developed sudden facial drooping or weakness on one side and that you suspect a stroke.
  2. Give the exact location, your contact number, the person’s approximate age, and whether they are awake and breathing normally. Follow the call handler’s instructions.
  3. If it does not delay the call, check the FAST signs: ask the person to smile, ask them to raise both arms and keep them raised, and ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Tell the call handler what you observe.
  4. Note when the symptoms first appeared. If the person woke with them or the start time is unclear, note when they were last known to be without the symptoms.
  5. Help the person sit or lie somewhere safe and supported. Keep them comfortable, stay beside them, and speak calmly.
  6. Watch for changes in their speech, alertness, breathing, weakness, vision, or balance. Call 999 again if their condition changes while help is on the way.
  7. If they become unresponsive or stop breathing normally, tell the 999 call handler immediately and follow the instructions given, including instructions for CPR if needed.
  8. If it is easy to do without leaving the person or delaying help, collect their medicines and note any known allergies for the ambulance crew.
  9. Continue with the emergency assessment even if the facial drooping or weakness disappears before help arrives.

What can wait

  • Working out whether this is a stroke, transient ischaemic attack, Bell’s palsy, migraine, or another condition can wait for clinicians.
  • Calling the person’s GP or NHS 111 can wait.
  • Packing a full hospital bag and making non-urgent calls can wait.
  • Decisions about treatment, work, caring arrangements, or recovery do not need to be made now.

Important reassurance

You do not need to be certain that this is a stroke before calling 999. Calling promptly because of one sudden warning sign is appropriate, and the call handler will guide you through the immediate next steps.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and later decisions need to be handled by ambulance and hospital teams and, where appropriate, other healthcare professionals.

Important note

This is general medical information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for emergency medical advice. Sudden facial drooping or weakness on one side requires immediate assessment through 999 in the UK.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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