A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel in the brain bleeds. It is a medical emergency.

Warning signs can appear suddenly: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision changes, or loss of balance. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve; a brief episode still needs urgent assessment.

Risk can be reduced by managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding tobacco, staying active, and eating a balanced diet with less salt.

Health education only; this is not a clinical assessment.

Source: World Health Organization, Stroke fact sheet.