The term stroke is apt because symptoms generally appear suddenly and without warning - 'at a stroke'.

The symptoms of a stroke and a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are the same. They include:...

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis often down one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, leg or whole side
• Problems communicating, being unable to talk or understand what others are saying, or an alteration in speech, such as slurring words
• Sudden blurring, loss or disturbance of vision, especially in one eye
• Swallowing difficulties
• Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache

Other less obvious symptoms include difficulties in perception or thinking, mood swings and personality change.

If a stroke is suspected, it's vital to get medical help quickly. The sooner treatment is given, the less damage there is likely to be to the brain tissue and the better the odds of a good recovery.