What is the first treatment tried for stroke?

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted or a blood vessel bleeds. These two types need different treatments, so clinicians use the symptom history, examination, and urgent brain imaging to guide decisions. A blood-pressure medicine may be part of longer-term care or used when clinicians need to control blood pressure, but it is not a substitute for emergency stroke assessment.

If stroke symptoms are present, call emergency services immediately and note when the person was last known to be well. Keep them safe, seated or lying down, and do not give food, drink, or tablets unless emergency professionals advise it. Do not drive yourself if an ambulance is available. Bring a list of medicines and medical conditions if this can be done without delaying help.

Sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty, confusion, vision change, severe imbalance, or a sudden severe headache requires emergency care, even if it improves. Symptoms that disappear can still signal a serious event and need immediate assessment. Do not wait for a GP appointment or assume tiredness explains a new neurological change.

Ask which type of stroke was found, what the scan showed, whether blood pressure needs treatment, and which warning signs should prompt another emergency call.