A stroke is always an emergency. If you think you or someone else is having a stroke, call 999 straight away.

Spotting a Stroke – Think FAST

Getting help quickly makes a huge difference. Use the FAST test:

• F – Face: Has one side of the face dropped?
• A – Arms: Can they lift both arms and keep them up?
• S – Speech: Is their speech slurred or unclear?
• T – Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 999 immediately.

What Causes a Stroke?

The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood. When this supply is blocked or interrupted, a stroke can happen. There are two main types:

• Ischaemic stroke – caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain. This is the most common type.
• Haemorrhagic stroke – caused by a blood vessel bursting and bleeding into the brain.

There is also a related condition called a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini‑stroke”. Symptoms are similar to a stroke but usually last only a few minutes. Even if symptoms go away, a TIA is a warning sign that a full stroke could happen soon. You should seek urgent medical advice.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Some health conditions make a stroke more likely:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• high cholesterol
• atrial fibrillation
• diabetes

How Is a Stroke Treated?

Treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly the person gets to hospital.

For an ischaemic stroke

• Medicines to dissolve or prevent blood clots
• Procedures to remove a clot from the brain
• Treatment to lower blood pressure and cholesterol

For a haemorrhagic stroke

• Treatment to control bleeding and reduce pressure in the brain
• Surgery may be needed to repair damaged blood vessels or relieve swelling

Early treatment gives the best chance of survival and recovery.