What is a stroke?

If a stroke happens to you, or someone you care for, you'll want to know more about stroke and its effects. This section explains what a stroke is, what causes it, and some of the physical and emotional effects it can have in people's lives.
Risk factors for stroke

In this section
Brain attack
Types of stroke
Common symptoms
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Stroke can happen to anyone
Damage to the brain
Common p roblems

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Other useful information:
Book list
Information for students
Migraine and stroke
Stroke and children
Stroke explanation for children
Stroke in younger adults
Stroke statistics
Subarachnoid haemorrhage
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Women and stroke

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Photo of David Diston with overlay text 'It happened to me' © TSA

"Suddenly the lights went out. Seven hours later I woke up in hospital. I couldn't move my right side, and my speech had gone." David Diston

What is a stroke cover May 07 © The Stroke Association

What is a stroke? leaflet

Department of Health F.A.S.T video with 'Watch the fast videos' overlay text © TSA

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