STROKE FACTS:

Stroke is a sudden, often severe impairment to the flow of blood to part of the brain.  The brain cells deprived of oxygen become damaged or die resulting in impairment to part of the body.  Many people are left with paralysis of limbs and loss of speech.  Strokes are also known as brain attacks or cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). 

Stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults and is the third major cause of death.

Stroke occurs in all age groups but the major incidence is in the over 65 group.

Disabilities resulting from stroke include partial or complete paralysis of the left or right side, problems with vision, speech and language, difficulty reading and writing, loss of memory, mental confusion, depression and personality changes.

Stroke survivors and their families encounter significant changes in their life style including loss of career, inability to pursue previous activities and interests, loss of friends and independence.

For more information on stroke:

Stroke Recovery Association of BC Provincial Office

Heart and Stroke Foundation

BC Centre for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease