Condition Stroke

Condition Stroke

What is a stroke?

A stroke is when blood stops flowing to a part of your brain. It can be life-threatening and take a long time to recover from.

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini stroke’ is similar, but the blood supply disruption is temporary, lasting for minutes or hours.

If you suspect you are having, or have had a stroke, seek urgent medical help in hospital. Do not drive – call 999 for an ambulance.

Urgent medical help is needed if you have a stroke, including a TIA, to limit the potential damage it might do and prevent it happening again.

The main symptoms of a stroke may happen suddenly and can be remembered with the word FAST:

  • F is for face weakness – one side of your face may droop (fall), and it might be hard to smile
  • A is for arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm
  • S is for speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused
  • T is or time – if you or someone else has these symptoms, it’s time to call 999

Other signs of a stroke include:

  • numbness down one side of your body
  • blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes
  • confusion and memory loss
  • feeling dizzy or falling over
  • a severe headache
  • feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)

Symptoms of a stroke can sometimes stop after a short time, so you may think you're okay. Even if this happens, get medical help straight away.

What causes a stroke?

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but your risk may increase if you:

  • are over 50 years old
  • are from a Black or South Asian background
  • have sickle cell disease (SCD)
  • have an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, excessive drinking, or obesity)
  • have migraines
  • take the combined contraceptive pill
  • are pregnant and have pre-eclampsia
  • have just had a baby
  • have previously had a TIA

Some common medical conditions, such as high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, and diabetes, can also increase your risk of stroke.

Next steps

Step 1. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.
Step 2. Check out our advice

Browse our advice and resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
Step 3. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.

Managing your health

There are a number of national and local organisations who can support you and help you manage health conditions at home. 

Stroke Specialist Rehabilitation Service

  • Adults

Earlier Supported Discharge Service providing rehabilitation at home or in the community following a stroke.

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Community Based Neuro-Rehabilitation Service

  • Adults

Specialist rehabilitation for neurological conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or head or spinal injuries.

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Neuropsychology Service

  • Adults

Support for difficulties with memory and thinking skills (cognition) due to a neurological condition.

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Speech and Language Therapy Service

  • Adults

Help for difficulties with speech, voice, language, communication, or swallowing.

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Community Physiotherapy Service (East Berkshire)

  • Adults

Support at home for housebound adults who are unable to attend clinic appointments, including a personalised rehabilitation plan.

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External support

Further information on the NHS UK website 

Brain & Spine Foundation

Support for people with a neurological condition 

Different Strokes

Help for working-age stroke survivors and their families 

Stroke Association

Support for people who have had a stroke and their family and friends

The Migraine Trust

Information and support for people living with migraines