• “Stroke is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, resulting in oxygen starvation, brain damage and loss of function. It is most frequently caused by a clot in an artery supplying blood to the brain, a situation known as ischemia. It can also be caused by hemorrhage when a burst vessel causes blood to leak into the brain. Stroke can cause permanent damage, including partial paralysis and impairment in speech, comprehension and memory. The extent and location of the damage determines the severity of the stroke, which can range from minimal to catastrophic”.

“Stroke is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, and women have a 4% higher lifetime stroke risk than men. Some studies show women who experience menopause at an earlier age have a higher risk of heart disease in general. But research has produced mixed results on the relationship between stroke and the age menopause started”.

Hospitals and health care teams around the world have worked hard to put in place stroke treatment procedures that reduce the risk of infection in hospital. It is more important than ever that we know the signs of stroke and seek emergency medical treatment which is why stroke clinicians and patients around the world have united to share the message #StrokeDontStayAtHome.