Our research makes a difference
A stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. When stroke strikes, part of the brain shuts down.
Research can make a real difference in the lives of people affected by stroke. It can find new ways and drive improvements in how we can stop stroke happening, treat and support people after stroke.
Since the early 1990s, we've invested over £56 million in stroke research.
This has:
- Established a vibrant community of stroke researchers in the UK.
- Improved our understanding of stroke.
- Changed treatment and care for those affected by stroke.
Our support for stroke research has made a difference in:
Recognizing stroke as a medical emergency.
Our research has improved how we spot the symptoms of stroke and the people most at risk, so we can get them the best treatment in the critical minutes and hours that follow.
Finding new and improved treatment
Thanks to research, there are now treatments that stroke patients can receive in the hospital to stop damage to the brain caused by stroke. We also know much more about how we can best treat stroke patients at this crucial time to give them the best chance of rebuilding their life after stroke.
Rebuilding lives after stroke
Our support for stroke research has changed the lives of stroke survivors and their close family and friends by working to understand and address their needs in life after stroke.
Research to stop stroke from happening
Our research has helped us understand what happens in the brain during a stroke, identify who is most at risk of stroke and how we can reduce their risk.
Improving the amount and quality of stroke research
Our support for research has helped to establish a vibrant community of stroke researchers in the UK. This continues to change the lives of those affected by stroke through high-quality research.
Unfortunately, the impacts of stroke are still under-recognised. Stroke strikes every 5 minutes and there are over 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK. Yet stroke research receives a fraction of the research funding compared to other conditions, like cancer and dementia.
You can read our reports on the cost of stroke and underfunding of stroke research in this section.