What is a stroke?
Put simply, a stroke happens when blood can’t get to the brain and brain cells are damaged and die.
Are there any warning signs before a stroke happens?
For most people stroke happens suddenly, without warning. However, sometimes people do experience symptoms before the stroke occurs, such as dizziness, headache and/or loss of balance. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini stroke is a clear warning of an increased risk of a stroke and requires medical attention.
Who is most at risk of stroke?
Anybody can have a stroke: people of any race, any age (including children), either sex and any background. But some parts of the population are at increased risk. Stroke Foundation provides more information about who is at risk.
Is it true that people of certain racial origins are more likely to have a stroke?
Stroke affects all sections of the population, and nobody is exempt from risk. Even children can have a stroke. But it is true that people of South Asian or African-Caribbean origin in the UK are at increased risk.
Does stroke run in families?
If you have a close relative who has had a stroke, you are at an increased risk; however, stroke is not hereditary. Families with a history of stroke, cardiovascular problems or other risk factors are at an increased risk of problems. If you are concerned about stroke in your family, discuss your worries with your doctor.
Why me?
Stroke often happens out of the blue, without warning. People affected by stroke, and their families, are often left in shock and disbelief. Stroke can also cause a grief reaction, due to the overwhelming sense of loss. However, asking “Why me?” is the first step on the process of recovery and learning to cope with the changes a stroke can bring.
How long does it take to recover from a stroke?
There is no simple answer to this question. Just as everybody is affected differently by their stroke, everybody has their own journey of recovery. Some people will make a full recovery and others may not. Most people will experience their fastest period of recovery in the days and weeks immediately after a stroke, and this will be followed by a longer period of slower rehabilitation.
Will I be able to lead a normal life again?
A third of people will make an almost full recovery physically and should be encouraged to lead a normal life
A third of people will have a significant amount of disability. This will vary from the severely disabled, e.g. people who need help getting in and out of bed, to milder things, such as needing help with bathing.
A third of people will be severely affected by stroke and will die within the year. The majority of these people will die in hospital in the first few weeks.
