Strokes explained

Since the symptoms appear suddenly and there is usually more than one, you can probably distinguish stroke from other causes of dizziness or headache. You may experience other, less common symptoms, including sudden nausea, fever and vomiting. Sometimes, a stroke is accompanied by fainting, convulsions and/or coma.

If you experience symptoms, it is probably best to call an ambulance to get to a hospital immediately. The doctors there may want to give you some kind of medication as soon as possible after the event.

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, starts just like a stroke, lasts a few minutes and leaves no lasting damage. But you can't ignore it - you have no way of telling if the episode is a TIA of a full-blown stroke. And even it is just a TIA, take heed: it can be a warning that you are at risk of a more serious stroke. About one third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke sometime in the future. Your chances increase if you have other risk factors.