Stroke Information for Patients and Carers

What is a stroke?

A stroke is caused by a disruption to the blood supply to the brain.  There are 2 main types of strokes:

1. Ischemic - a blockage/clot in the artery that carries blood to the brain, which may be caused by:

• A blood clot forming in a main artery to the brain

• A blockage caused by a blood clot, air bubble or fat globule forming in a blood vessel somewhere else in the body and is carried in the bloodstream to the brain

• A blockage in the tiny blood vessels deep within the brain

2. Haemorrhage - a bleed in the brain when a blood vessel bursts, which may be caused by:

• An intracerebral haemorrhage, when a blood vessel bursts within the brain; or

• A subarachnoid haemorrhage, when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bleeds into the area between the brain and the skull

As the brain controls everything the body does, damage to the brain can affect body functions such as limb movement, communication and cognitive processes.

Sometimes it is possible for patients to suffer what is sometimes called a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA).  This occurs when the brains blood supply is interrupted for a very brief time.  The symptoms of a TIA are usually resolved faster and the person will often get better within 24 hours.

Click here for common stroke symptoms

Click here for stroke prevention

Click here for more in depth stroke information from The Stroke Association

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