What is a stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack which happens due to a clot or a bleed in the brain, causing brain cells to die. More than 100 people in the North East have a stroke every week; it is the UK’s third biggest killer.

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. A quarter of strokes happen to those aged under 65.

How can you prevent a stroke?

The Stroke Association offers free blood pressure tests because high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for stroke. Over 40% of strokes (at least 50,000 per year in England and Wales) could be prevented if it is controlled. Eating a healthy diet, especially reducing the amount of salt intake, only drinking alcohol in moderation, not smoking and regularly exercising will all help reduce the risk of having a stroke.

How can you spot someone having a stroke?

A stroke can be diagnosed by using F.A.S.T. – Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech problems, Time to call 999. Stroke is a medical emergency, so if any of these symptoms are present, call an ambulance straight away.

What services does The Stroke Association provide?

The Stroke Association offers a free Stroke Awareness Service in the region. The service involves staff visiting schools, businesses and communities to raise awareness of the symptoms, causes and risk factors of stroke. In just five months, the team measured 2,800 blood pressures across fifty North East businesses, and found that 34% of people had high blood pressure.

The Stroke Awareness Service is funded by North of England Cardiovascular network. It has been so successful, The Stroke Association is hoping that funders in other regions across the UK will see the benefit and roll it out.

The Stroke Association also provides an Information, Advice and Support Service, supporting stroke survivors, their families and carers in their transition from hospital to home; a Communication Support Service, helping to improve stroke survivors’ communication skills; and a Community Integration Service, providing stroke survivors with social and occupational opportunities within the community.

How can you find out more?

The Stroke Association is the only UK charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. The charity funds research into prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and helps stroke survivors, their families and carers directly through its Life After Stroke Services, information service, welfare grants, publications and leaflets. The Stroke Association campaigns to increase awareness of stroke and act as a voice for people affected by stroke.

For more information, The Stroke Association’s awareness raising team can be contacted on strokeawareness@stroke.org.uk or 0191 4879988. Or visit the charity’s website at www.stroke.org.uk.

The Stroke Helpline provides information on stroke to the general public and is open between 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday on 0303 30 33 100.