Stroke Assessment in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What stroke assessment is
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, and brain tissue starts to suffer within minutes. Stroke assessment is the rapid, focused check the emergency team carries out the moment someone arrives with signs of a stroke. The single most important thing about it is speed: the sooner the brain is assessed, the more of it stays protected, so every minute counts.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, stroke assessment runs around the clock as part of the emergency department. The team treats a suspected stroke as a top priority from the moment it is recognised, moving the person straight to assessment ahead of the queue.
Learn the FAST signs and act on them
The clearest way to spot a stroke is the word FAST. Learn it as an action to take, because recognising these signs early is what saves brain tissue:
- Face — the face has dropped on one side, and the person may find smiling difficult
- Arm — one arm has become weak, and the person may find it hard to lift or keep raised
- Speech — speech has become slurred or muddled, and the person may struggle to find words
- Time — it is time to call an ambulance immediately if you see any one of these signs
Even a single FAST sign is enough to act on. Calling for help at the very first sign is the most valuable step a bystander can take, and it is far safer to call and be reassured than to wait and watch.
When to call an ambulance now
Call an ambulance straight away, ahead of anything else, if a person suddenly develops any of the following:
- A face that droops on one side
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or a leg, usually on one side of the body
- Speech that is slurred, or words that come out confused
- A sudden severe headache that arrives with full force
- Sudden loss of vision, or a sudden loss of balance or coordination
These signs point to a time-critical emergency where the brain needs treatment within hours. An ambulance crew begins care on the way and alerts the emergency department, so the team is ready and the assessment starts the moment the person arrives. That head start is part of what protects the brain, which makes calling an ambulance the safest choice for any sudden sign of stroke.
Note the time the signs first appeared, or the last time the person seemed well, and pass it to the crew. That single detail shapes the treatment the person can be offered, so it is worth remembering.
What the team does on arrival
Stroke assessment at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah follows a clear, quick order because timing matters:
- A rapid check on arrival — the team confirms the FAST signs, measures pulse, blood pressure, breathing and oxygen, and reviews when the symptoms began
- A brain scan — a scan of the brain shows the team what is happening inside and guides what treatment fits
- Blood tests — a set of blood tests gives the team the further information treatment depends on
- Urgent referral — where the picture points to a stroke, the team arranges urgent referral for the right treatment without delay
Each step runs as fast as it safely can, and serious cases are moved to the front. The aim throughout is to reach a decision quickly, because in a stroke the value of the whole assessment lies in how fast it happens.
When a clinic appointment suits better
Stroke assessment is for sudden, active signs happening now. A booked clinic appointment is the calmer and more thorough route for symptoms that are stable and long-standing — a headache you have lived with for months, an old area of numbness that stays the same, or a general worry about stroke risk you would like reviewed. A clinic gives a doctor time to examine you fully, arrange planned tests, and talk through prevention and follow-up.
The dividing line is sudden versus settled. Anything that comes on suddenly and points to the brain belongs in the emergency department right away; a long-standing, unchanging concern is served better by a planned appointment where it can have proper time and attention.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the FAST signs of a stroke?
FAST stands for Face, Arm, Speech and Time. Look for a face drooping on one side, weakness in one arm, and slurred or muddled speech; if you see any of these, it is Time to call an ambulance immediately. Learning FAST helps you recognise a stroke quickly and act on it.
Why does speed matter so much in a stroke?
The sooner a stroke is assessed, the more of the brain stays protected, which is why calling an ambulance at the first sign is the most valuable step a bystander can take. Brain tissue is affected within minutes, so a fast response gives the treatment the best chance of working and protects more of the brain.
Should I call an ambulance or drive to hospital?
Call an ambulance for any sudden sign of stroke. The crew starts care on the way and tells the emergency department you are coming, so the assessment begins the moment you arrive. That advance warning and early care help protect the brain, making an ambulance the safest choice for a suspected stroke.
What happens during a stroke assessment?
The team carries out a rapid check on arrival, confirms the FAST signs, and reviews when the symptoms began. A brain scan shows what is happening inside the brain, blood tests add further information, and where a stroke is found the team arranges urgent referral for treatment. Each step runs as fast as it safely can.
Is stroke assessment available at night and on weekends?
Yes. Stroke assessment at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. A suspected stroke is treated as a priority at any hour, so come straight in or call whenever the signs appear.
Why should I note the time the symptoms started?
The time the signs first appeared, or the last time the person seemed well, shapes the treatment a stroke patient can be offered. Passing this detail to the ambulance crew or the emergency team helps them choose the right care quickly, so it is one of the most useful things a bystander can remember.
Do I need an appointment for a suspected stroke?
No. A suspected stroke is an emergency and needs no appointment or referral. Come straight to the emergency department, where a suspected stroke is moved to the front for immediate assessment.
When is a clinic appointment the better choice?
A clinic appointment suits stable, long-standing symptoms — an old headache, a settled area of numbness, or a general wish to review your stroke risk. A booked visit gives a doctor time to examine you fully and plan prevention. Any sudden new sign of stroke, though, belongs in the emergency department straight away.
What should I do while I wait for the ambulance?
Keep the person still, comfortable and reassured, note the time the signs began, and stay with them until help arrives. Have their medication list and Emirates ID ready to bring if they are within reach. Calling early and staying calm are the most helpful things a bystander can do.
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