Medical research is essential to develop new ways to stop stroke happening and better treatments for stroke that can rebuild lives. If you have been affected by stroke as a stroke survivor, or in supporting a loved one after stroke, this survey is your chance to tell us the questions you would like research to try to answer.
Jenny Hylands describes her experience of stroke and its impact on her ideal research priorities
"My stroke arrived with a jolt in November 2012, when I was 48. I had a bleed deep in my brain. The left side of my body was largely paralysed, but it was the emotional and psychological impact that left me reeling.
I had been working as a Speech and Language Therapist, University Lecturer with a special interest in counselling and emotional care, as well as a wife and mother. But as the months passed following my stroke, I felt alone and depressed.
I was so determined that I was going to get back to the way I was, I pushed until I became mentally and physically exhausted.
By April the following year, I was walking slowly and clumsily. I loved sitting in the garden with a coffee watching the daffodils open day by day. My oldest daughter was in France, working, and my youngest was studying for her A’ levels, but I struggled to find my purpose.
Seven years on, I am still improving. I don’t focus on my stroke so much anymore. I’m far too busy living and enjoying my life.
I’ve found that research into how stroke survivors can benefit from specific gym exercises is limited, so I’d love to see more. I also believe research into how the brain can adapt to the damage caused by stroke, allowing movement and change for years afterwards, is so exciting."
What do you think stroke research needs to focus on?
Please tell us your priorities by filling in this survey.
Find out more about the Stroke Association’s research work.