Stroke

The Condition
A Stroke is a 'brain attack' that occurs giving a sudden onset of symptoms such as numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, a drooping arm, leg or lower eyelid, a dribbling mouth, slurred speech, difficulty finding words or understanding speech, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight, confusion, unsteadiness or a severe headache

How common is Stroke?
Stroke is the largest cause of disability in the UK, affecting people of all ages. 150,000 people have a stroke per year - for 85,000 people it will be a first stroke - 10,000 people will be under 60yrs old - 1,000 under 30yrs and 1,000 will be children. More men have strokes than women under the age of 75.
About one third of people who have a stroke will die, one third will make a recovery and one third or 250,000 people will be left with a disability

What causes a Stroke?
An Ischaemic stroke or blockage is the most common type of stroke, which happens when a clot blocks an artery that carries blood to the brain

A Haemorrhagic stroke is a bleed when a blood vessel bursts and haemorrhages into the brain

A Transient Ischaemic Attack - TIA called a mini-stroke when the brain's blood supply is interrupted for a short time

A stroke can happen to anyone. There are risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure and lifestyles that increase the risk such as diet and smoking. The risk of stroke increases with age

The effects of a stroke will depend on the part of the brain that has been injured, how bad the injury is and general health when the stroke happens

The Stroke Association
Stroke House
240 City Road
London
EC1V 2PR

T: 020 7566 0300
Textphone: 020 7251 9096
Email: info@stroke.org.uk
Website: www.stroke.org.uk

North East Regional Head of Operations
Peter Moore - 0191 487 9988 - peter.moore@stroke.org.uk

Different Strokes
9 Canon Harnett Court
Wolverton Mill
Milton Keynes
MK12 5NF

Tel: 0845 130 7172
Email: darlington@differentstrokes.co.uk
Website: www.differentstrokes.co.uk

Regional Coordinator;
Arthur Cookson - 0191 271 3141 - arthurcookson@differentstrokes.co.uk

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