We provide high quality, up-to-date stroke information for stroke patients, their families and carers
Every year an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That's one person every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.
Stroke changes lives. It can have a huge effect on you and your family. You will most likely want to know as much as you can about what practical, emotional and financial support is available.
In this section, you can read about what you can expect to happen when you have had a stroke, from emergency care to beginning your rehabilitation and recovery and returning to life after stroke.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack
For your brain to function, it needs a constant blood supply, which provides vital nutrients and oxygen to the brain cells. A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and brain cells are damaged or die.
Strokes are sudden and have an immediate effect
A person may become numb, weak or paralysed on one side of the body. They may slur their speech and find it difficult to find words or understand speech. Some people lose their sight or have blurred vision, and others become confused or unsteady.
A stroke can damage mind and body
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.
Recovering from a stroke takes time
About a third of people who have a stroke make a significant recovery within a month. But most stroke survivors will have long-term problems. It may take a year or longer for them to make the best possible recovery. Sadly, in the most severe cases, strokes can be fatal or cause long-term disability.
A stroke is always a medical emergency
It is important to be able to recognise the symptoms of a stroke and to get help immediately.
Life after stroke
Stroke affects everybody differently, and it is difficult to say how much of a recovery is possible. Many stroke survivors experience the most dramatic recovery during their stay in hospital in the weeks after their stroke.
But many stroke survivors continue to improve over a longer time, sometimes over a number of years. Their recovery is in fact a long period of rehabilitation, as they learn to deal with the effects the stroke has had on them.
Rehabilitation is about getting back to normal life and living as independent a life as possible. It involves taking an active approach to ensuring that life goes on for people who have had a stroke. This can mean helping them to acquire new skills or relearn old ones. It may involve helping them adapt to the limitations caused by stroke. Or it can mean helping them find social, emotional and practical support.
Our Life After Stroke Services
Had a stroke? Know someone who has? We’re here every step of the way with a range of Life After Stroke Services that can help you cope with the aftermath of stroke and support you as you work towards rebuilding your life.
Our services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are funded by the NHS or social services (so free to you) and therefore may differ depending on where you live (note that in Scotland, our approach is different; there, we work in partnership with other organisations to develop services that meet the needs of local communities).
Our services may include:
Information, Advice and Support Service
Helps you and your family prepare for the changes that happen because of a stroke, with information about stroke, practical advice and emotional support.
Communication Support Service
Helps you cope with aphasia and difficulty in using language. Our co-ordinators and volunteers work with you to build up your confidence and help you achieve the best possible recovery.
Stroke Prevention Services
Support you to change your way of life and reduce your risk of stroke, by offering help and advice on things such as diet and exercise.
Getting Back to Life Services
After a stroke life is very different and you may need to make big adjustments and deal with daunting challenges. We provide a variety of services that will help you enjoy a better quality of life, return to your community and face the future.
Carer Support Services
Caring for someone with stroke can be a solitary experience – and a tiring one. We provide carers' groups that provide information and advice for carers, as well as the invaluable opportunity to socialise with others in the same situation.
To find out if any of our services are available in your area, you can search here or call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100.
Contact Us
The Stroke Association, Metro House
14-17 Metropolitan Business Park
Preston New Road
Blackpool FY3 9LT
Helpline 0303 3033 100
