strokes explained

A stroke occurs when a part of the brain is injured from a disturbance in its blood supply. Learn how to recognise the warning signs and minimise the risks Types of stroke Risk factors for stroke Symptoms and diagnosis Treatment and prevention
Stroke is a very common condition, with about 100,000 people having a first stroke every year in the UK. Most of these people are over 55, but a stroke can happen at any age; the risks increase with age and they are also slightly more common in women than men.

A stroke occurs when, for a number of reasons, an area of the brain is deprived of oxygen. The nerve cells (neurones) in the affected area of the brain can't function and die within minutes. And when nerve cells can't function, the part of the body controlled by these cells can't function either. The devastating effects of stroke are often permanent; dead brain cells cannot regrow.