A stroke is the loss of brain function due to disturbance in the blood vessels supplying the brain. This can lead to neurological damage which could result in death. The cause can be due to lack of blood supply (ischemia) produced by an embolism, thrombus or haemorrhage. The affected part of the brain is unable to function as a result, leading to the inability to move a certain part of the body, understand language or speak or the inability to see in one side.

In the UK stroke is the 3^rd most common cause of death and is the leading cause of disability in the US and Europe. In England there are 111,000 cases per year with over 65’s most at risk. The incidence rate for people aged 65-74 is 10 per 1000 and about 30 per 1000 for those aged over 80.

Strokes differ in terms of their aeitology and pathogenesis, the area of the affected brain and the resulting deficit, which all have implications on the treatment and prognosis.

Risk factors include hypertension, elderly age, smoking, high cholesterol, previous stroke and atrial fibrillation.

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