What is a stroke?

A stroke is a ‘brain attack’ caused by a disturbance of the blood supply to the brain.

There are two main types of stroke, which require different types of treatment.

1. Ischaemic stroke

This is the most common form of stroke. It is caused by a clot narrowing or blocking blood vessels so that blood cannot reach a particular area of the brain. This leads to the death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen.

2. Haemorrhagic stroke

This is caused when a weakened blood vessel in the brain bursts. This produces bleeding into the brain, which leads to damage.

What is a TIA?

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is also called 'mini-stroke'. It is similar to a stroke and has the same signs, but gets better within 24 hours. However, it could be a warning sign that more serious stroke may follow so it is vital that it gets the same F.A.S.T. action by calling 999.

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or 'mini-stroke', is caused by a temporary fall in the blood supply to part of the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause symptoms that are similar to a stroke, although they don’t last as long. A TIA lasts only a few minutes and is usually resolved within 24 hours.

Click here for more information about TIA (open new window) 

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. So recognising the signs of stroke and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial. The sooner somebody who is having a stroke gets urgent medical attention, the better their chances of a good recovery.

Rapid diagnosis of TIA (mini-stroke) allows urgent steps to be taken to reduce the risk of having a stroke.

People at higher risk of stroke

Some people are more at risk of having a stroke if they also have certain other medical conditions. These include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat)
• Diabetes

It is important that these conditions are carefully monitored and treated.

The risk of having a stroke is higher amongst people in certain ethnic groups, including South Asian, African and Caribbean. This is partly because high blood pressure and diabetes are more common in these groups.

There are also lifestyle factors that may increase the risk of having a stroke. They include:

• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Exceeding the recommended daily alcohol limit

The NHS recommends women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day and men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day.

Leading a healthy, active lifestyle is vital to help reduce your risk of having a stroke. Click here for more information about stroke prevention.

Specialist Stroke Centre

Stroke patients in Northamptonshire will now be treated at a dedicated stroke centre after Northampton General Hospital (NGH) was awarded specialist status. Click here for more information about the Specialist Stroke Centre.

Local support organisations

Stroke Association

The Stroke Association’s Family and Carer Support Co-ordinators are ready to help people living with communication problems as a result of stroke to rebuild their confidence by providing them with opportunities to practise their skills within a safe and supportive environment.

North Northamptonshire - Chris Harvey
The Stroke Association, Units 1 & 2 Sterling Business Park, Salthouse Road, Brackmills, Northampton, NN4 7EX
Direct line: 01604 687749
Email: christine.harvey@stroke.org.uk

South Northamptonshire - Anita Tilly
Address as above
Direct line: 01604 687748
mail: anita.tilley@stroke.org.uk

Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100 or www.stroke.org.uk

Different strokes

Different Strokes is a registered charity providing a unique, free service to younger stroke survivors throughout the United Kingdom.

For more information please contact or visit:
Different Strokes helpline: 0845 130 7171 or www.differentstrokes.co.uk

You can read all about strokes in the 'Your Health' pages of this website where you can find all sorts of useful and interesting information from support and advice for stroke carers, to an article by World Darts Champion Andy Fordham about his stroke scare.

Read the Chronicle and Echo feature article on our stroke awareness campaign.