Stroke: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Stroke - A brain attack caused by a blocked or burst blood vessel. Use FAST and call emergency services.

What is Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Most strokes are ischaemic, caused by a clot blocking an artery; others are haemorrhagic, caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Brain cells start dying within minutes, so a stroke is always an emergency. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA, or mini-stroke) causes similar symptoms that resolve, and is a warning sign of a future stroke.

Causes and Risk Factors

• High blood pressure (the biggest risk factor)
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol
• Older age and family history
• Heavy alcohol use
• Previous TIA

Signs and Symptoms

• F - Face drooping on one side
• A - Arm or leg weakness or numbness
• S - Speech slurred or confused
• T - Time to call emergency services
• Also: sudden vision loss, severe headache, loss of balance

Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently

Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging

An urgent CT or MRI brain scan shows whether the stroke is from a clot or bleeding. Blood tests, ECG and carotid scans look for the cause.

Treatment and Medicines

For clot strokes, clot-busting medicine (thrombolysis) can be given within a limited time window, and mechanical thrombectomy can remove large clots. Bleeding strokes need blood pressure control and sometimes surgery. Rehabilitation with physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy starts early.

Emergency

If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.

Complications

Paralysis, speech and swallowing problems, memory loss, depression and recurrent stroke.

Prevention

• Control blood pressure
• Treat atrial fibrillation with anticoagulants if advised
• Do not smoke; limit alcohol
• Manage diabetes and cholesterol
• Stay active

Outlook and Follow-up

Recovery varies widely. Fast treatment and early rehabilitation give the best chance of regaining function.

Patient Education

Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Stroke guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions