Stroke

A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to the brain can affect how the body works. It can also change how you think and feel.

The effects of a stroke depend on where it takes place in the brain, and how big the damaged area is.

There are three different types of stroke; ischaemic strokes, haemorrhagic strokes and transient ischemic attacks.

• An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
• A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by a bleeding in or around the brain.
• A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary.

What causes stroke?

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