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uk Health & medical scares slurred speech suddenly • difficulty getting words out • trouble speaking clearly • new speech problems • sudden word finding trouble • speech sounds drunk • face droop and speech • arm weakness and speech • stroke warning signs • possible mini stroke • tia symptoms • sudden confusion speaking • speech suddenly garbled • can’t talk properly • speech changes out of nowhere • sudden neurological symptoms • symptoms started time • last known well time

What to do if…
you notice new slurred speech or difficulty getting words out

Short answer

Call 999 now and say you think it could be a stroke. Do not drive yourself to A&E.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait and see” if it passes, even if it seems mild or comes and goes.
  • Do not drive yourself or let someone else drive you to hospital.
  • Avoid eating or drinking unless the 999 call handler tells you it’s safe (swallowing can be unsafe during a stroke).
  • Do not start new medicines or take “just in case” doses (including aspirin). If you usually take medicines around now, wait and tell the paramedics what you take.
  • Do not go to sleep or “lie down for a bit” to see if it improves.
  • Do not try to “push through” the speech problem or keep working as normal.

What to do now

  1. Dial 999 immediately.
    • Say: “New slurred speech / trouble getting words out — possible stroke.”
    • If you’re alone and struggling to speak, call anyway, put it on speaker, and stay on the line. If you can’t talk, follow prompts and make sounds so the call handler knows you’re there.
  2. Note the exact time symptoms started (or when you were last normal).
    • If it’s unclear, use last known well (the last time you were definitely speaking normally).
  3. Do a quick FAST check while help is on the way (don’t delay the call to do this):
    • Face: uneven smile or droop?
    • Arms: one arm weak or drifting down?
    • Speech: slurred, confused, or can’t find words?
    • Time: you’ve already called 999.
  4. Make it easier for paramedics to reach you.
    • Unlock the door if safe, move pets aside, turn on a light, and keep your phone nearby.
  5. Sit upright and avoid falls.
    • If you feel faint or unsteady, sit/lie on your side rather than trying to walk.
    • If you vomit, roll onto your side to protect your airway.
  6. Create a 30-second handover (don’t spend long on it).
    • On a note (or phone), write: time started/last known well, your address, and any key meds (especially blood thinners/anticoagulants) and allergies.
    • If easy, put your medicines (or their boxes) and the note by the door. Do not delay the ambulance to do this.
  7. If symptoms stop, still treat it as an emergency.
    • Symptoms that improve quickly can still be serious and need urgent assessment.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out whether it’s a “stroke” or “mini-stroke” right now.
  • You do not need to phone your GP, call NHS 111, or book an appointment first.
  • You do not need to write a detailed history—time started/last known well and medicines are enough.

Important reassurance

Sudden trouble speaking can feel frightening and unreal. Calling 999 is the right move even if you’re not fully sure—stroke care is time-critical, and emergency teams are used to assessing this quickly and calmly.

Scope note

This guide is first steps only—getting urgent help and avoiding common harmful delays. Further tests and decisions belong with clinicians once you’re safe.

Important note

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you suspect a stroke or sudden neurological symptoms, treat it as an emergency and call 999.

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