Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

Like all organs, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients which are provided by the blood so that it can function properly. If this supply of blood is restricted or stopped, then brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.

Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen. With a stroke, you need to act FAST.

Improving stroke care

Within the Wakefield District there have been vast improvements in stroke care since the introduction of the National Stroke Strategy in 2007.

3 Facts about stroke:

• Nationally, there are approximately 150,000 strokes every year.
• Stroke is a medical emergency and is the 3rd largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer.
• The brain damage caused by strokes means that they are the largest cause of adult disability in the UK.

For more information about stroke and stroke care in the Wakefield District, please contact Gillian Richardson, Stroke Programme Manager on 01924 315795