Stroke

A stroke is a cerebrovascular emergency in which blood flow to part of the brain stops, either because a vessel is blocked by a clot (ischaemic) or because it bursts (haemorrhagic). It can occur at any age but becomes more likely in older people. Main risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, smoking, an unhealthy diet and a previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Symptoms usually begin suddenly, with facial drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, one-sided numbness, visual loss, dizziness or severe headache; a transient ischaemic attack signals a risk of a full stroke. Blood tests, brain scans and a heart tracing identify the type. Ischaemic stroke may be treated with clot-dissolving medicines, antiplatelet therapy or blood thinners, sometimes with a procedure to open a narrowed neck artery, whereas haemorrhagic stroke treatment focuses on stopping bleeding; rehabilitation and long-term preventive medicines follow.

Seek emergency care for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or confusion, or thoughts of harming yourself. See a doctor for headaches that are more frequent or changing, memory problems that affect daily life, or low mood lasting more than two weeks. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.