If a doctor thinks you've had a stroke, they'll do tests such as:

• blood tests
• CT, MRI and ultrasound scans to check in and around your brain
• an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart

These tests can show what type of stroke you've had. The different types of stroke include:

• an ischaemic stroke – this happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. It's the most common type of stroke
• a haemorrhagic stroke – this happens when a blood vessel bursts
• a transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini stroke) – this is when the symptoms of a stroke do not last very long (less than 24 hours)

A TIA should be treated as urgent. If you do not get immediate medical attention, you could be at risk of having a full stroke.