Conditions

Stroke

A medical emergency in which the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted.

When to get emergency help

Think FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty – Time to call 112. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately; do not wait for a clinic appointment.

Call 112

About this condition

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked (ischaemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (haemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells can be damaged within minutes, so a stroke needs emergency treatment.

After emergency care, follow-up focuses on finding the cause, preventing another stroke and supporting recovery.

Common symptoms

  • Drooping of one side of the face
  • Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, usually on one side
  • Slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech
  • Sudden loss of vision or double vision
  • Sudden loss of balance or coordination
  • A sudden, severe headache

Having one or more of these does not by itself mean you have a particular condition. A doctor's assessment is needed to find the cause.

How it is assessed

  1. Emergency assessment and a brain scan (CT or MRI) at a hospital.
  2. Tests to look for the cause, such as heart rhythm and blood vessel checks.
  3. Follow-up review of risk factors and recovery.

Who may be affected

  • People with high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
  • People who smoke
  • People with heart rhythm problems such as atrial fibrillation
  • People who have had a previous stroke or TIA

Preparing for your appointment

It helps to bring:

  • Previous medical reports, prescriptions and hospital discharge summaries
  • MRI or CT scan films and reports, if you have them
  • A list of all the medicines you take, with their doses
  • A short note of your symptoms: when they started, how often they happen and what makes them better or worse

How the clinic can help

  • Follow-up at the stroke clinic to review the cause and prevention.
  • Rehabilitation to support recovery.
  • Long-term control of risk factors.

Recommendations depend on the clinician's assessment of your individual situation. This website cannot diagnose your condition or guarantee a particular result.

Frequently asked questions

What does FAST mean?

FAST is a simple way to remember the signs of a stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty – Time to call 112.

Can a stroke be prevented?

Many strokes can be prevented by controlling blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, not smoking, staying active and taking prescribed medicines.

Clinic locations

Please confirm the OPD day, timings and availability of this service when you book.

This page gives general information to help you understand this topic. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Book an appointment or contact the clinic

Call or send a WhatsApp message to ask about appointment times at the Patna, Ara and Siwan clinics.