Stroke

What is a stroke?

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
  

Stroke is a medical emergency

If stroke is suspected, call the medical emergency services URGENTLY!

The sooner a patient receives medical attention, the better the chance of their recovery

 

James was 67-years-old when he had a stroke. Prompt action helped him achieve full recovery.

“My mother had suffered a stroke so I knew the symptoms. I didn’t have high blood pressure like her so didn’t think I was at risk of stroke. However, I was in mid-sentence when the words just stopped coming. The shop assistant recognised I was suffering a stroke and dialled the emergency line straight away. When the paramedics came I was paralysed down my right side. It was frightening and I could feel myself getting worse. Fortunately I’ve managed to make a full recovery over time. During my stroke assessment the doctors found out that my cholesterol was high. I’m now on medication to control it and make sure that I keep a healthy weight by eating healthily and exercising regularly. I look after my health more than I did before. I don’t want another stroke – it was a real wake up call for me.” 
James, aged 67 years.

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.