About 7,500 strokes happen in Ireland each year.
1 in 4 strokes occur in people of working age.
Stroke is a brain injury and must always be treated as an emergency.
There are two main types of stroke.
An ischaemic stroke occurs when there is a blockage or clot in an artery which cuts off the supply of blood to your brain. These blockages are largely caused by fatty deposits that gather in your arteries over time. This process is called atherosclerosis.
A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when an artery in your brain bursts and bleeds. This is also known as a brain bleed or a brain haemorrhage.
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is often called a “mini stroke.” This happens when a clot temporarily blocks the supply of blood to your brain. It can last for a few minutes to a few hours, and symptoms fully resolve within 24 hours.
Having a TIA means you are at risk of having a stroke in the future. If you have a TIA, see a doctor urgently to learn how to reduce your risk.
F = face – The face may have dropped on one side. The person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have drooped.
A = arms – The person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them raised because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
S = speech – Their speech may be slurred or hard to understand. They may also have problems understanding what you’re saying to them.
T = time – If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to dial 112 or 999 for an ambulance. Even one symptom could mean a stroke.
Remember: The faster you get treatment, the more likely you are to have a good recovery.
Other symptoms of stroke include:
Act F.A.S.T.: Call 112 or 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.
High blood pressure or hypertension is the leading cause of stroke. High blood pressure can cause blood clots in the brain which can cause stroke. It can also damage blood vessels in the brain causing bleeding in the brain. This can result in stroke, too.
High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in your blood can cause stroke too. Bad cholesterol sticks to the walls in your arteries making them narrow. If an artery to the brain is so narrow that it blocks the flow of oxygen to your brain, it can cause a stroke. Unhealthy food, smoking, not being active enough are some of the reasons for high cholesterol.
Other factors that increase your risk of stroke are smoking, high-salt diet, excessive alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, and medical conditions like diabetes and atrial fibrillation.
Your age, gender, family history and ethnicity also have an effect on your risk of stroke. Learn more.
Move more. Be more physically active and aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk activity every day – every bit of movement you can do counts.
Aim for a healthy weight – your doctor can help you with this.
Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Aim for 5-7 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Cut down on salt, especially from ultra-processed foods high in salt, fat and sugar.
If you drink alcohol, keep within the recommended low-risk alcohol guidelines.
If you smoke, try to stop. Freetext QUIT to 50100 or freephone 1800 201 203.
Control your medical conditions, especially high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type two diabetes. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
This information helps doctors decide what sort of medication or medical procedures you need.
The earlier your stroke is diagnosed, the better chance you have of making a good recovery.
You may have the following tests:
Blood pressure check: High blood pressure is the most common cause of stroke. Your blood pressure will be checked immediately. Doctors will give you medication to lower your blood pressure if you need it.
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Irregular heart rhythms can increase your risk of stroke. This test checks your heart for unusual rhythms.
Blood tests: Samples of blood are taken to check your cholesterol levels, your blood’s ability to clot and your blood sugar levels.
Brain scan or computerised tomography (CT) scan: This is a specialised x-ray of your brain. You should have a brain scan within a few hours of having a stroke.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This scan gives a detailed picture of your brain. You will lie in a large tunnel-shaped scanner for this test. If you are nervous, speak to your doctor or radiographer before the test.
Carotid doppler ultrasound: This scan checks for blockages in the arteries in your neck (carotid arteries).
Echocardiogram (Echo): A probe is moved over your chest to check the way your heart is working and to look for any problems.
Chest x-ray: This will help show the condition of your heart and lungs.
Videofluoroscopy swallow test: This is an x-ray that looks at the way your swallowing works.
Ischaemic strokes can be treated by a medication (thrombolysis) or a procedure (thrombectomy) which helps to break up or remove the clot and restore blood flow. Thrombolysis is not suitable for everyone. Doctors will check if it would be a good treatment for you.
Haemorrhagic strokes can be treated with medication that focuses on controlling the bleeding in your brain and reducing the pressure caused by the bleeding. You may also need a procedure to repair the artery that may have been damaged due to the bleeding.
After the initial tests, you should be cared for in a specialist stroke unit. Some hospitals don’t have a specialist stroke unit, so talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions. In a specialist stroke unit you will have a team of healthcare professionals looking after your rehabilitation. This may include:
Rehabilitation is when you work on the things that have changed since your stroke. It helps you get stronger so you can do daily activities as independently as possible.
If you are struggling with your emotions after stroke, the Irish Heart Foundation offers the following support:
Contact our Nurse Support Line on (01) 668 5001 for more information.
Step by Step through Stroke: Read our helpful guide for stroke survivors, families and carers.
Why we need to act F.A.S.T: Learn why we need act F.A.S.T. when stroke strikes.
Preventing Stroke: Learn how you can prevent stroke. If you’ve already had stroke, learn how you can prevent another stroke.
Stroke rehabilitation: You can learn to live well after stroke with the help of rehabilitation. Learn more about rehabilitation.
Stroke Supports: For more information and contact details for getting advice and support near you.
Real Life Stories: View real stories, lessons and advice from people who have survived stroke and heart conditions.
