Condition
Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Brain cells begin to die within minutes, so a stroke is a medical emergency. Common signs are sudden weakness on one side, trouble speaking, and a drooping face.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
About stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, either by a clot (an ischaemic stroke) or by bleeding (a haemorrhagic stroke). The sooner a stroke is treated, the more brain tissue can be protected.
Symptoms
Use the word FAST to recognise a stroke:
- Face — the face may have dropped on one side; the person may not be able to smile evenly
- Arms — the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there
- Speech — speech may be slurred, or the person may not be able to speak at all
- Time — if you see any of these signs, it is time to call for an ambulance
When to get help now
A stroke is always an emergency. Call for help immediately if you see any FAST sign, even if it goes away. Note the time the symptoms started.
This website is for information and appointments. It is not monitored for emergencies. For a suspected stroke or seizure, call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department.
How it is diagnosed
In hospital, a stroke is confirmed with a brain scan, usually a CT or MRI, along with an examination and blood tests. The scan shows whether the stroke is caused by a clot or by bleeding, which decides the treatment.
How it is managed
Emergency treatment depends on the type of stroke and how quickly it is reached. After the emergency phase, care focuses on rehabilitation and on reducing the risk of another stroke, for example by managing blood pressure, diabetes, and other risk factors. A neurologist takes part in this longer-term care.
This page is educational; emergency stroke treatment is given in hospital.
Sources
World Health Organization — Stroke
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke — Stroke
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions patients ask most.
What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
Call 108 for an ambulance straight away and note the time the symptoms started. Do not wait to see if the symptoms pass. Do not drive the person yourself unless there is no other option.
Can a stroke be treated?
Yes, in hospital. Some clot-related strokes can be treated with clot-dissolving medicine or a procedure to remove the clot, but only within a limited time window, which is why speed matters.
Can another stroke be made less likely?
The risk of a further stroke can be reduced by treating the underlying causes, such as high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, diabetes, and smoking. Your care team plans this with you.
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Share your contact details and the clinic will call you to arrange a visit.