This page is intended for children. It explains what a stroke is, why it happens and what problems it can cause.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is when something goes wrong inside our brain.
Your brain is inside your head.
It helps you to think, talk, move and jump.
Watch this video to learn more:
What happens when you have a stroke?
If you have a stroke, you might go to a hospital.
You might go in an ambulance.
You might meet doctors and nurses and lots of other people.
Watch this video to learn more:
Getting better after you've had a stroke
When you have had a stroke, you might need help to get stronger and feel better.
This video explains how you can get better after you've had a stroke:
Talking about having a stroke
Children say different things about having a stroke.
After a stroke, some things may be more difficult for a while. Some things will stay the same.
It can help to talk to someone about the things that are worrying you.
There are lots of people who can help.
This video explains how you can talk about having a stroke:
Read our handbook
Our childhood stroke handbook explains what happens when you have a stroke. It also has advice for parents. Click through the pages and learn all about it:
You can also download this childhood stroke handbook.
If you have any questions about stroke, ask a parent or carer, or a doctor or nurse.
Video resources
These videos show other children with weakness on one side of the body, which is sometimes caused by stroke. You are not alone.
My Way, by Hemihelp
You may find this book helpful
Heads-up, Tim-Tron - a book for younger readers explaining what happened.