Overview
A stroke happens when part of the brain suddenly loses its blood supply. This can be caused by a blood clot blocking a blood vessel or by a blood vessel bursting. A stroke is a medical emergency because brain cells start to die within minutes.
How common is it?
Stroke is common and can lead to long-term disability, but it can happen at any age. It becomes more likely as you get older.
Causes and risk factors
The two main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke, caused by a blocked blood vessel, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in or around the brain. A transient ischaemic attack, or TIA, causes similar symptoms for a short time but still needs urgent assessment.
Common risk factors
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Being inactive or carrying excess weight
- A past stroke or TIA
Symptoms
- Face weakness or drooping
- Arm weakness or numbness, often on one side
- Slurred speech or trouble finding words
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
- A sudden severe headache
- Confusion or sudden numbness or weakness in part of the body
When to see a doctor
Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone else is having a stroke. Do this even if symptoms improve or go away, because it could still be a TIA and urgent treatment may prevent a more serious stroke.
Diagnosis
In hospital, doctors will ask when the symptoms started and do urgent scans such as a CT or MRI scan to see what type of stroke has happened. You may also need blood tests, heart tests, and scans of the blood vessels.
Treatments
Emergency treatment
Treatment depends on the type of stroke. Some people can have medicine to break up a blood clot or a procedure to remove it, while others need treatment to control bleeding or pressure in the brain.
Stroke unit care and rehabilitation
Most people need specialist hospital care followed by rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Medicines to prevent another stroke
After the emergency is treated, you may need medicines for blood pressure, cholesterol, clot prevention, or heart rhythm problems to lower the risk of another stroke.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Take prescribed medicines exactly as advised
- Attend rehabilitation appointments and keep practising recommended exercises
- Do not smoke
- Work with your care team on blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, activity, and diet goals
Prevention
Not smoking, controlling blood pressure, treating atrial fibrillation, staying active, and managing diabetes and cholesterol all help reduce stroke risk.
Sources and review
Last reviewed: 29 July 2026 by Living Diabetes Editorial Team. This guide was checked against current patient and professional guidance. It is educational and does not replace care from your own healthcare team.