National Stroke Week 2026: Know the signs of stroke and the importance of acting fast

This year, National Stroke Week takes place from 3 August to 9 August 2026 and serves as an important reminder to recognise the signs of stroke, act quickly, and take steps to reduce your risk. Stroke remains one of Australia's biggest killers, claiming 9,147 lives in 2024. On average, someone experiences a stroke every 11 minutes in Australia.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, either because a blood vessel bursts or becomes blocked by a clot. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die, with up to 1.9 million brain cells lost every minute that treatment is delayed.

Without prompt medical attention, a stroke can cause temporary or permanent effects, including facial drooping, arm weakness, balance problems, and changes to cognitive function. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical and can help restore blood flow, reduce complications, and minimise long-term damage.

The good news is that up to 80% of strokes are preventable.

Recognising the signs of stroke: the FAST test

The FAST test is a simple way to remember the common signs of stroke:

• Face: does one side droop when smiling?
• Arms: can both arms be raised and held up?
• Speech: is speech slurred or strange?
• Time: call 000 immediately if you notice any signs

What you can do to reduce your risk of stroke

While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are everyday choices that can help reduce your risk of stroke.

Maintain a healthy weight

Regular physical activity and a balanced, nutritious diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and support your overall health. These lifestyle habits can also help reduce your risk of stroke.

Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly increase your risk of stroke. Both can contribute to high blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of blockages or bleeding in the brain.

Advocate for yourself and your loved ones

Because timely treatment can reduce the impact of a stroke and, in some cases, save lives, it’s important to speak up if you’re concerned about your symptoms or the symptoms of someone you care about.

What you can do if you have concerns about your care

If you feel your concerns are not being fully understood, continue to communicate changes in symptoms and ask questions about the care being provided.

If you attend a hospital without a stroke specialist on site, ask whether specialist stroke care can be accessed through your state’s Telestroke services. These services can connect local treating teams with stroke specialists who can review brain scans and help guide treatment decisions, particularly in regional and rural areas.

If you have concerns about the care you received, you may be able to make a complaint to the hospital and request a review of the treatment provided.

How we can help

At Maurice Blackburn, we have supported clients and families affected by strokes where the early signs and symptoms may not have been recognised or where treatment was delayed. We have helped people in situations where:

• the signs of stroke were not recognised, resulting in serious and permanent injury
• delays in treatment may have affected the person's outcome and recovery
• concerns raised by patients or family members were not adequately addressed, contributing to avoidable harm

We understand the significant impact a stroke can have on individuals and families, and we're here to help you understand your rights and options.

Resources and support

If you would like to learn more about stroke, prevention and recovery support, visit the Stroke Foundation website.

For information on managing and monitoring your blood pressure, visit the Heart Foundation website.

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