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Stroke Awareness Month

  • Emma Bray
  • 16 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Stroke Awareness Month in held throughout the month of May to highlight this serious medical condition, raising awareness about the prevention and treatment of strokes, supporting stroke survivors, and educating the public about the signs and symptoms.


Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the UK, with approximately 100,000 strokes occurring each year. While the majority of strokes occur in older adults (59%), a substantial amount (38%) occurs in middle-aged adults (40-69 years).


A stroke is when blood stops flowing to a part of your brain. It can affect things like speech and movement, and takes a long time to recover from. A stroke needs urgent medical help in hospital because it can be life-threatening.


A stroke can happen suddenly, the main symptoms can include:

  • face weakness – one side of your face may droop and it might be hard to smile

  • arm weakness – you may not be able to fully lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in 1 arm

  • speech problems – you may slur your words or sound confused


There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of stroke:

  • having certain health conditions - sickle cell disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular and fast heartbeat or high cholesterol

  • you're over 50 years old

  • you're from a Black or South Asian background

  • you have an unhealthy lifestyle

  • you have migraines

  • you take the combined contraceptive pill

  • you're pregnant and have pre-eclampsia

  • you've just had a baby


Having a stroke can affect your mental health and relationships with others. There are many charities and organisations that offer advice and support, or are there to just listen.




 
 
 

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