Every year in the UK approximately 150,000 people (one person every three minutes) suffers a stroke. Anyone can be affected, all ages, both adults and children, even the foetus. Men are at a higher risk; the risk rising with age most commonly occurring after 55 years of age. However, 1000 people below the age of 30 years old suffer a stroke each year and the frequency of stroke in children is approximately 5 in every 200,000 children. Although it is not hereditary, if you have a close relative who has previously suffered a stroke the risk to yourself is increased slightly. It is also noted that Asian, African and African-Caribbean communities have a greater risk.

Stroke is the single most common cause of disability; a recent survey suggesting that 66% of stroke survivors struggle with the consequences of moderate to severe disability. It is estimated that the numbers of stroke survivors living with disabilities through the effects of stroke in the UK are upwards of 250,000. Recurrent stroke is frequent with approximately 25% suffering a second stroke within 5 years.

A stroke is a brain injury or “brain attack” that is sudden with immediate consequences. A stroke, whatever the cause, leads to a loss or reduction of blood supply to areas of the brain; as a consequence, a loss of oxygen and nutrients (ischaemia) causes either cell death or damage and a resultant loss of function. Brain tissue death is often referred to as a “cerebral infarction”; an “infarct” meaning dead tissue. The brain controls all functions of the body and therefore any damage influences bodily functions relevant to that area of the brain such as control over limb movement. Affects are also different whether the stroke has affected either the right or left hemisphere (half) of the brain. Each stroke has different consequences, symptoms and outcomes; some symptoms are mild and transient such as those that occur during a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), others cause more severe and lasting damage. The general health of the patient at the time of stroke can also influence the outcome.

The right side of the brain controls the left side of the body and vice-versa. A left-sided stroke can cause difficulties in language such as talking, understanding, reading and writing. A right-sided stroke can cause difficulties in perceptual skills such as making sense of sight, hearing and touch as well as difficulties in spatial skills of judging size, speed, distance or position in space.