Stroke
A stroke is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Acting FAST and calling 999 saves lives.
- Updated August 2026
- Clinical review pending
- 1 source
At a glance
- A stroke is a medical emergency — call 999 immediately.
- Remember FAST: Face, Arms, Speech, Time to call 999.
- Fast treatment improves the chances of recovery.
On this page (5 sections)
Overview
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, which can damage brain cells. It is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency, and getting treatment quickly is vital [1].
Warning signs (FAST)
The main stroke symptoms can be remembered using the word FAST: Face — the face may have dropped on one side; Arms — the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there; Speech — speech may be slurred or garbled; Time — it is time to call 999 immediately if you see any of these signs [1].
Causes and risk factors
Most strokes happen when a blood clot blocks the blood supply to the brain. The risk is higher with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation), and with smoking [1].
Treatment and recovery
A stroke needs urgent treatment in hospital, which is why it is so important to call 999 straight away. After a stroke, many people need a period of rehabilitation to help recover as much as possible [1].
When to call 999
Call 999 immediately if you or someone else has any signs of a stroke, even if the symptoms seem to pass — this is always a medical emergency [1].
Sources
- NHS. Stroke (opens in new tab) Accessed 12 August 2026.
About this page
- Written by
- Consumer Health editorial team
- Medical review
- Pending — this page has not yet been reviewed by a named clinician. Read our medical review policy.
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Next review due
- August 2027
Important: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional — such as your GP or pharmacist — for advice about your individual circumstances, and do not start, stop or change any prescribed treatment based only on this page. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 999. Consumer Health is an independent health-information resource and is not the NHS or a government body.
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