On this page:

• Diagnosis
• Overview: different stroke types
• Emergency stroke treatment

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think you or someone else has any stroke symptoms, think FAST and call 999 straight away. Ambulance paramedics are trained in stroke and will take you to the best hospital for specialist treatment.

There are more than 100,000 strokes in the UK each year. That's around one stroke every five minutes. But no two strokes are the same, which means there is no set pattern for recovering from one. It also depends on the type of stroke you have and the stroke services that are available in your area.

Diagnosis

If you have a suspected stroke, you'll be taken to a hospital with a specialist stroke unit.

On arrival, you will need to have tests to confirm that you have had a stroke and make sure that you receive the right emergency treatment. The quicker your stroke is diagnosed and treated, the better your recovery will be.

You should have a brain scan soon after symptoms start, within an hour of arriving at hospital if possible. The scan can show whether the stroke is due to a clot or a bleed.

How is it diagnosed?

Ischaemic stroke

This is caused by a blockage cutting off blood supply to the brain.

Understand tests for ischaemic stroke

Haemorrhagic stroke

This is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.

Find out more

Transient ischaemic attack

TIA is also known as a mini-stroke.

Learn about how TIA is identified

All the ways we can help you

We're here to support you on your path to recovery. Our support hub brings together all our online and in-person services, advice and guidance for stroke survivors and their families.

Find help

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Overview: different stroke types

Stroke survivors often tell us there's a lot to take in when first diagnosed, which can leave them unsure about the type of stroke they've had. In some cases, it's not always immediately clear which type someone has had. It's always best to speak to a healthcare professional, but here is a brief overview of the types of stroke.

• Ischaemic stroke: a blockage cuts off the blood supply to part of your brain, killing brain cells.
• Haemorrhagic stroke: bleeding in or around the brain. This can damage brain cells.
• TIA: a temporary clot in your brain causing stroke symptoms which last a short time.

[I] was diagnosed with a stroke on Ben’s [my husband's] 31st birthday. It was a bizarre and exhausting time. Accepting my diagnosis has been a huge accomplishment. Manu [a counsellor from the Stroke Association’s Cornwall Emotional Support Service] helped me see things differently.

Lisa, stroke survivor

Emergency stroke treatment

Recovery is different for everyone, but receiving treatment quickly will give you the best possible chance of making a good recovery.

Your brain scan results will help doctors identify what caused your stroke and ensure you get the right emergency treatment.

• The two main treatment options for ischaemic stroke are:
  • Thrombolysis (clot-busting medication).
  • Thrombectomy (mechanical clot removal).
• Treatments for haemorrhagic stroke include:
  • Medications to reduce blood pressure.
  • Medications to maintain brain blood flow.
  • Surgery to repair a burst aneurysm (weakened blood vessel).
• If you've had a TIA, treatments aim to prevent future clots, using medication or surgery.

How is it treated?

Ischaemic stroke

Information on thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

Learn how it is treated

Haemorrhagic stroke

Medical professionals will discuss the options with you or your loved ones.

Explore treatment options

Transient ischaemic attack

It’s vital to seek urgent medical help right away to get treatment.

Learn more about TIA treatment