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

We are Stroke Association. We believe in life after stroke. That’s why we support stroke survivors to make the best recovery they can. It’s why we campaign for better stroke prevention and care. And it’s why we fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.

In this section you can find out about the experience of stroke by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. Our researchers travelled all around the UK to talk to 73 people in their own homes. Find out what people said about issues such as diagnosis, physical changes after the stroke and impact on work and family. We hope you find the information helpful and reassuring. 

A stroke causes damage to the brain. A common cause of stroke is a blood clot that forms in a brain artery. Immediate treatment may include a clot-busting medicine to dissolve the blood clot. Other treatments include medication to reduce risk factors for further strokes. Rehabilitation is a major part of treatment.