Most stroke cases occur in people aged over 65. Each year about 1 in 100 people over the age of 75 will have a stroke. But a stroke can occur at any age - even in babies. About one million people in the UK are living with the effects of stroke. Half of these people depend on others for help with everyday activities.
Treatment depends on the type of stroke the person has had and also which part of the brain was affected and what caused it. Most often, strokes are treated with medicines. This generally includes drugs to prevent and remove blood clots, reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. In some cases, surgery may be required. This is to clear fatty deposits in the arteries or to repair the damage caused by a haemorrhagic stroke.
These are important steps to take if you suppect someone is suffering a stroke. F.Face – Has the persons face fallen on one side? Can the person smile? A. Arms – Can the person raise both arms and keep them there? S. Speech – Is the persons speech slurred? Can they make any form of sentences? T. Time – time to call 999 If you see any single one of these signs and act fast
The illustration shows how a hemorrhagic stroke can occur in the brain. An aneurysm in a cerebral artery breaks open, which causes bleeding in the brain. The pressure of the blood causes brain tissue death.
Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.
