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What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel. The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.
Stroke can be life-changing. It can happen to anyone of any age and affects everyone in different ways.
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you spot the signs of stroke, call 999.
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Types of stroke
There are three different types of stroke: ischaemic, haemorrhagic and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or mini strokes.
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Symptoms of stroke
Find out about symptoms of stroke and how the FAST test helps you recognise the most common signs.
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What are the effects?
Every stroke is different. Explore the various effects of stroke and find out how to manage them.
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Symptoms of stroke
Stroke is an emergency. If you spot the signs of stroke, call 999.
How to recognise a strokeAlso in this section
What is aphasia?
Communication problems affect more than 350,000 people in the UK following a stroke. Problems may include aphasia, dysarthria or apraxia.
Childhood stroke
A stroke can happen at any age. There are over 400 childhood strokes a year in the UK, affecting babies, children and young people.
Stroke and Covid-19
Our information and advice on Covid-19 and the vaccines for people affected by stroke.
Diagnosis
A stroke can change your life in an instant. We help you understand the key stages you'll encounter in hospital.
My Stroke Guide
Access easy-to-read information, advice and videos to support your recovery.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
Some strokes can be prevented with the right lifestyle choices. Whilst you can't change risk factors such as age, there are others that you can change.
Discharge
What happens next? Will my treatment and support be different because of coronavirus (Covid-19)?
Stroke mimics and functional stroke
Stroke symptoms can sometimes be due to other health conditions that affect the brain or body, known as a stroke mimic.
Our publications
Find detailed health information leaflets on a range of stroke related topics including physiotherapy and Atrial Fibrilation (AF).
Stroke statistics
Explore our interactive maps and charts to discover up-to-date information about stroke in the UK.
Treatments
Find out about the different ways a stroke may be treated, including thrombolysis and thrombectomy.
When someone is seriously ill or dying after a stroke
Information for the family and friends of someone who is seriously unwell after a stroke.