A stroke is a sudden rupture or obstruction in a blood vessel in the brain. This can result in the loss of language and communication skills, known as aphasia.

• A stroke is caused by a bursting of, or blockage in a vein or artery
• This damage prevents the blood supply from getting to the normal part of the brain that the vein/artery feeds
• The part of the brain becomes damaged as it is starved of blood
• Depending on where the damage is, the effects of a stroke can vary, e.g. loss of movement down one side of the body (paralysis), loss of the ability to say words
• A stroke usually happens quite suddenly and may mean the person goes straight to hospital
• Some strokes pass quickly (called transient ischaemic attacks, or TIA) and there is no lasting damage
• Some strokes result in permanent loss of certain movements or language skills
• There are many services that will support you and your family after a stroke