Tomorrow, the 22nd of July is World Brain Day.

The theme for World Brain Day this year is Brain Health and Disability, with the message of “Leave No One Behind.”

Stroke is sometimes known as a brain attack, and is the biggest cause of acquired disability in Ireland. Stroke occurs when a blood vessel, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain, bursts or is blocked by a clot. This causes an interruption of the blood supply to part of the brain, which can damage or destroy brain cells.

Heart disease can also cause damage to the brain, if there is a lack of oxygen to the brain. After surviving a cardiac event, there is a risk of brain injury and neurological dysfunction.

According to the World Federation of Neurology, “Brain disabilities can be prevented, treated, and rehabilitated.”

Recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke or cardiac event varies from person to person, and is a gradual process as the brain takes time to heal. While there is no roadmap for recovery or navigating living with an acquired disability, there are supports to help.

For World Brain Day, the Irish Heart Foundation  is reminding stroke survivors of the supports available to them.

The Irish Heart Foundation Nurse Support Line is open 5 days a week; from 9am to 1pm Tuesday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Mondays. A nurse will be on hand to respond to any questions or concerns you may have about managing a heart condition, or recovering from a stroke or heart disease.

Supports for stroke survivors  include:

• Life after Stroke Facebook support group
• Stroke Connect Service
• Young Stroke Survivor Network; including online groups, fitness classes, a peer support WhatsApp group, the Let’s Talk peer support phone service, courses and training.

Supports for people living with a heart conditions include:

• Heart Support Network Facebook Group
• Cardiac Rehab for All
• Heart Connect Service

The Irish Heart Foundation also has a Carers Support Network, so that those caring for people affected by heart and stroke conditions in Ireland can discuss and share their experiences and support each other.