What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack

It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. It can be caused by a blockage in one of the blood vessels leading to the brain or a bleed in the brain.

Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or destroyed.

Strokes affect people in different ways, depending on the part of the brain that is affected, how widespread the damage is and how healthy the person was before the stroke. A stroke can affect the way your body functions as well as your thought processes and how you feel and communicate.

What causes a stroke?

Most strokes happen when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to your brain. Blood clots usually form in areas where the arteries have become narrowed or 'furred' up by fatty deposits. This is called atheroscelrosis.

As we age our arteries become harder and narrower. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can speed up this process and increase your risk of having a stroke.

Can you recover from a stroke?

All strokes are different. For some people the effects may be relatively minor and may not last long, while others may be left with more serious long term effects.

The quicker you receive treatment, the better your chances for a good recovery, so it's important to call 999 and get to hospital straight away.