Haemorrhagic stroke: This occurs when an artery in the brain ruptures (bursts) and leaks blood into the brain (cerebral haemorrhage).When this happens, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain is blocked and tissue is damaged or dies. Embolic stroke: This occurs when a blood clot or piece of plaque (cholesterol or calcium deposits) on the wall of an artery breaks loose and travels to the brain.The clot usually forms in a small blood vessel inside the brain that has become narrowed through high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or smoking. An ischaemic stroke occurs when a clot blocks an artery in the brain. Ischaemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, particularly in older people.There are several different types of stroke, with different causes. A stroke is also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The effects can be devastating and may last a lifetime. Stroke is a medical emergency, and at any sign of a stroke, call 111 immediately.Ī stroke is a brain attack – a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells.There is nothing trivial about a so-called ‘mini-stroke’ - seek medical help immediately. Early medical attention and treatment can prevent this. These signs of stroke disappear within minutes or hours but should be seen as a clear warning that a more severe stroke might follow. Transient Ischaemic Attacks or TIAs (mini-strokes) can happen prior to a stroke.Reducing your blood pressure can greatly reduce stroke risk. Recent research estimates a third of these people don’t know it as high blood pressure often has no symptoms. One in five New Zealanders experience high blood pressure.High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.Over 75% of strokes are preventable, meaning the number of people suffering a stroke would be reduced by 3/4 if all recommended risk reduction strategies were taken in the community.The number of people experiencing a stroke will rise by 40% by 2028.25–30% of strokes are experienced by people under the age of 65 years.

Over 9,500 strokes are experienced every year – that’s one every 55 minutes.Stroke is New Zealand's second single biggest killer and a leading cause of serious adult disability.

Stroke after effects