Types of stroke
Find out more about the different types of stroke and why they happen.
Blood-thinning medication and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
You might be prescribed blood-thinning medication to reduce your risk of a TIA or stroke. This guide explains the two types of blood-thinning medication available, antiplatelets and anticoagulants, and how they are used after a stroke or for someone with atrial fibrillation.
National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (Patient version)
Resource type: Information guide
Publication type: Stroke information
This book tells you what care should be provided after stroke. It is written for people affected by stroke and their carers. It's a short version of the detailed National Clinical Guideline for Stroke (5th edition).
Ischaemic stroke
An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot, or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
Migraine and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Migraine has not been shown to cause stroke. However, if you have migraine with aura, you may have a slightly increased risk of stroke. This guide explains the link between migraine and stroke, and explains what some of the different types of migraine are.
Diabetes and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Diabetes doubles your risk of a stroke, so it's important that it's treated and controlled well if you have it. This guide explains what diabetes is, the link between diabetes and stroke, and how to make changes to your lifestyle to reduce your risk.
High blood pressure and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke. In the UK, 9.5 million people are diagnosed with high blood pressure, with a further 5.5 million cases undiagnosed. This guide explains the link between high blood pressure and stroke, the medication used to treat it and some steps you can take to lower your blood pressure.
Carotid artery disease
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Most strokes happen because of a blockage in an artery. A common cause of this is disease in the large carotid arteries in the front of your neck. This guide explains what can cause carotid artery disease and how it can be treated.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
People with a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) are five times more likely to have a stroke. This guide explains what AF is diagnosed, how it increases your risk of stroke and how it is treated.