Every stroke is different and people are affected in many ways. A stroke can occur at any age.
The brain has its own blood supply, a network of tiny vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue. If this supply is disrupted, even for a short time, the cells can be damaged or destroyed and therefore are unable to do their job properly. The blood supply can be cut off by a blockage, such as a small clot, or by a burst blood vessel. The symptoms produced depend on the area and extent of the brain, which is damaged. Symptoms can include: numbness, weakness, paralysis, loss of balance, speech/swallowing difficulties and problems with walking.

It is possible for other unaffected parts of the brain to take over the job of the damaged area and so recovery is possible over several months and sometimes years as the brain relearns an activity or movement pattern.

Physiotherapy works to enable the relearning of movements while preventing unwanted or abnormal compensatory patterns. It is important to try to minimise or prevent spasm occurring in the muscles which can be uncomfortable and can make normal movements more difficult.