When a stroke happens
Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. That’s one person every five minutes. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies.
A stroke is a frightening experience for both the stroke person and their family. It involves a lot of immediate medical treatment and sometimes months or years of ongoing rehabilitation. It can be very confusing taking on board information about what has happened as well as learning about the practical steps needed to help the person make the best possible recovery.
This section of the website outlines what to expect in the first hours, days and weeks after a stroke, from the hospital tests identifying exactly what has happened to the care plan that is structured to each individual's needs.
In this section
A stroke is a brain injury
Hospital tests
Swallow test
Heart and blood vessel tests
Going into hospital
Rehabilitation
From hospital to home
You can also download the When a stroke happens (460 kb) ![[pdf]](http://www.stroke.org.uk/display_images/document_icons/pdf.gif){kind=icon}
leaflet, or you can order printed copies
More information on
Balance problems after stroke
Carotid artery disease
Cognitive problems after stroke
Communication problems after stroke
Epilepsy after stroke
Hemiplegia and stroke
Dementia after stroke
Pain after stroke
Physical effects of stroke
Psychological effects of stroke
Stroke and continence
Swallowing problems after stroke
Taste changes after stroke
Visual problems after stroke
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"Jacob had the stroke in October but we didn't get the exact diagnosis until Christmas." Jacob Goodier was three when he had a stroke.
