Signs and symptoms of stroke

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Without blood the brain cells can be damaged or die.

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Who is at risk of stroke?

A stroke can happen to anyone at any time, even children, but there are some things, like your ethnicity, lifestyle and other health conditions, that make you more at risk than others.

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Signs and symptoms

If you, or someone else, show any signs of having a stroke you need to seek immediate medical attention. The FAST test can help you spot the signs of stroke.

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Treatment of stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency and if you have one you need to call 999 immediately. The quicker your stroke is diagnosed and treated, the better your recovery will be.

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Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation is about overcoming and adapting to the effects of your stroke, so that you can become as independent as possible. Aids and equipment can help you do this.

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Stroke Resources

This page shows various links to useful stroke related information, plus our collection of real-life 'stroke stories'. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to contribute.

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The FAST test can help you to recognise some of the most common symptoms of stroke:

Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999.

A stroke is a medical emergency.

If you, or someone else, show any signs of having a stroke you need to seek immediate medical attention.