Knowledge Quiz

1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke in their lifetime.

Stroke can happen at any age.

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is the single largest risk factor for stroke. It accounts for over 50% of all strokes globally. Managing your blood pressure through lifestyle changes and/or medication prescribed by your doctor can half your risk of stroke.

The key symptoms or stroke are facial drooping, speech difficulties and arm weakness on one side. (Some people may also experience visual disturbance and balance issues.) If you spot these signs call immediately for emergency medical help and say it's a stroke.

Thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are stroke treatments that are proven to save lives and reduce disability. Even if you don’t have access to these kinds of treatment, treatment in a basic stroke unit has been shown to save lives and reduce complications of stroke.

Even if stroke symptoms disappear quickly, you should get immediate medical attention. You could have experienced a TIA (transient ishemic attack/mini-stroke) which can be a warning sign for future strokes. A medical exam can also help to identify any risk factors and help to reduce your risk.

There are around 100 million people in the world who have experienced stroke, many of whom continue to live full-lives, raise families, return to work and contribute to their community. You can help to improve recovery by learning the signs of strokes and seeking emergency medical care if you spot them.