Attack that strikes down 100,000 Britons a year

What is a stroke?

It occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, usually by a clot blocking or rupturing an artery. The most common type is ischemic – a blockage – which usually occurs in older people as a consequence of unhealthy lifestyles. A less common type is haemorrhagic – a rupture – which tends to be caused by high blood pressure.

The symptoms

Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other indications are confusion, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, vomiting or even loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Rehabilitation begins a day or two following the stoke so any basic skills lost, such as eating, and walking, can be relearned. Usually a team of physiotherapists, speech and occupational therapists work with the patient. Most patients are put on a lifetime programme of blood thinners to prevent future clots.

The prognosis

A stroke survivor will have brain damage that ranges from little change in physical and mental faculties to permanent incapacity such as paralysis and the loss of the ability to speak, read or write. Some 10 per cent of patients recover almost completely, while 25 per cent suffer minor impairments and 50 per cent experience moderate to severe disability requiring care in the long term.

How many people are affected?

There are about 100,000 strokes a year in the UK. The median age in males is 0 and

6 in females.