Stroke types & common symptoms

A stroke is a brain attack. It is the result of the blood supply to part of the brain being cut off so the brain is starved of the oxygen it needs and brain cells begin to die, never recovering. 

There are two main types of stroke:

Ischaemic stroke - the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain.

Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in the brain.

   Ischaemic stroke                 Haemorrhagic stroke

TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack)

Also known as a mini stroke. This occurs when the brain’s blood supply is briefly interrupted. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a full stroke but last under 24 hours. 

Having a TIA indicates a higher likelihood of suffering a full stroke in the next few days to weeks, although urgent treatment can reduce this by over 80%.

Common symptoms

Sudden onset of:

Numbness/weakness or paralysis

Difficulty in speaking or understanding speech

Blurring or loss of vision

Confusion

Unsteadiness/dizziness/nausea

Severe headaches

Early recognition and treatment of stroke can save a life and reduce disability so call 999 if you spot ANY of the above symptoms