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Stroke
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off, either by a clot or a bleed, and brain cells begin to die. It is a medical emergency where every minute counts.
Causes & risk factors
- A clot blocking a brain artery (ischaemic stroke)
- A burst blood vessel bleeding into the brain (haemorrhagic stroke)
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking
- Older age and a family history
Common symptoms
- Face drooping on one side
- Arm or leg weakness on one side
- Slurred or lost speech
- Sudden numbness
- Sudden vision loss
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden severe headache
Tests & diagnosis
- CT scan of the brain (urgent)
- MRI brain
- ECG (check for AF)
- Blood sugar
- Lipid profile
Treatment & management
- Emergency hospital care — clot-busting or clot-removal treatment can save brain tissue if given quickly
- Controlling blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol
- Blood-thinning medicines to prevent further strokes (as advised)
- Rehabilitation — physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy
- Lifestyle changes: stopping smoking, healthy diet and activity
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any face droop, arm weakness or speech difficulty — call your local emergency number now (remember FAST)
- Sudden numbness, vision loss, severe dizziness or a sudden severe headache — call your local emergency number now
- Symptoms that came and went — still seek urgent care
- Do not wait to see if signs pass — time saved is brain saved
Frequently asked questions
What is FAST?
FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. If you see any of these, call your local emergency number immediately.
Can you recover from a stroke?
Many people recover well, especially when treated quickly. Rehabilitation helps regain movement, speech and independence, and controlling risk factors lowers the chance of another stroke.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.