What is a stroke?

Every year there are about 152,000 strokes in the UK. That’s more than one every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and babies.

For many people a stroke happens suddenly and without warning, and often there is little time to prepare for one. A stroke can affect how you move, feel and think. Although everyone's experience of a stroke is different, some of the effects are more common than others. This leaflet explains what a stroke is and how it could affect you.