A stroke is defined by the World Health Organization as a clinical syndrome of rapidly progressing symptoms of cerebral dysfunction, caused by cerebral infarction or haemorrhage, and lasting greater than 24 hours or leading to death. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is similar, but should be fully resolved in less than 24 hours, with the majority lasting less than 2 hours. This article discusses the role that primary care can play in the prevention, diagnosis and management of stroke and TIA.