Stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack.¹

It occurs if the

• blood supply to the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke), or if a
• blood vessel in the brain is ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke).¹
  

When either of these things happen brain cells begin to die or are at risk of damage.¹

If you or your loved ones have experienced stroke you will know that its consequences can be significant and life shattering.

Stroke can affect anyone at anytime

• Every year around 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide.²
• Stroke attacks around 1 in every 400 people.^2,3
• Although stroke can affect anyone at anytime, two-thirds of all strokes occur in people aged over 65 years.⁴
  

Stroke is a serious illness

• Stroke can rob people of their identity and independence.⁵
• Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in industrialised countries.⁶
  

Stroke is a medical emergency

• Stroke is a medical emergency and must be treated as such.^1,5
• The sooner stroke victims receive treatment, the better their chance of recovery.^1,5
  

James was 67-years-old when he had a stroke. Prompt action helped him achieve full recovery. Click on his photo to read his story.

References

1. The Stroke Association. Leaflet: What is a stroke?
2. World Health Organization 2004. Global Burden of Stroke. Part three: the burden. The Atlas of Heart Disease and Stroke.
3. US Census Bureau. World PopClock Projection.
4. NHLBI, National Institutes of Health. Morbidity & Mortality: 1998 Chartbook on Cardiovascular, Lung and Blood Diseases. October 1998.
5. National Stroke Association’s Complete Guide to Stroke.  
6. The European Stroke Initiative. Stroke Facts.