Understanding Stroke: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Financial Protection

World Stroke Day awareness graphic highlighting October 29th as a day to raise awareness about stroke prevention, symptoms, and support

By Samuel Mather-Holgate

Every year, millions of people around the world experience a stroke. I know, personally, several people who have (and are) going through the ordeal who each have individual symptoms varying in severity. World Stroke Day, observed on October 29th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, symptoms, treatment, and the impact it has on stroke survivors and their families.

In this article, we’ll explore what a stroke is, its symptoms and warning signs, causes, and how it can be treated. We’ll also discuss the importance of stroke prevention and how you can protect yourself and your family financially against the potential effects of a stroke.


What is a Stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Without quick medical intervention, brain cells begin to die within minutes, which is why understanding stroke symptoms and acting fast is crucial.

Causes of a Stroke

Strokes are generally classified into two main types:

  • Ischemic Stroke: Caused by a blockage in an artery supplying blood to the brain. It accounts for about 85% of all strokes and is often caused by blood clots or fatty deposits in the arteries.
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, causing bleeding within the brain. High blood pressure, aneurysms, and certain blood disorders can increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.

There’s also a less severe type called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), or “mini-stroke,” where symptoms appear temporarily. TIAs are serious warning signs and should prompt immediate medical attention.

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. AF can increase the risk of stroke because it can cause blood to pool and form clots in the heart, which may then travel to the brain and block an artery. Recognising and treating AF can significantly reduce the risk of stroke.

Stroke Symptoms and What to Do

Recognising the signs of a stroke can save lives. Remember the acronym FAST:

  • F – Face: Is one side of the face drooping or numb? Ask the person to smile.
  • A – Arms: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
  • S – Speech: Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence.
  • T – Time: If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s time to call emergency services immediately.

Additional Warning Signs may include sudden confusion, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, dizziness, and severe headache with no known cause.

How Long Can a Stroke Go Unnoticed?
Some strokes, particularly TIAs, may last only a few minutes and resolve on their own. However, even short-lived symptoms are serious and can indicate the risk of a more significant stroke. In some cases, a stroke may occur during sleep, and the person may not be aware until they wake up with noticeable symptoms like weakness or speech problems.

What Are the Effects of a Stroke?

The effects of a stroke vary depending on the part of the brain affected and how quickly treatment was administered. Some possible long-term effects include:

  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Paralysis or weakness on one side of the body
  • Loss of balance and coordination
  • Vision problems
  • Memory loss and difficulty thinking or making decisions
  • Emotional changes, such as depression or anxiety

How Can Stroke Be Treated Immediately?

Immediate treatment is critical to minimising the impact of a stroke. Ischemic strokes can be treated with clot-busting drugs, which dissolve the clot and restore blood flow. These drugs are most effective when administered within 4-5 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Hemorrhagic strokes require controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. Surgery may be necessary to repair a burst blood vessel. Quick medical intervention can significantly improve outcomes for stroke survivors.

Stroke Prevention: Reducing Your Risk

  • Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke. Regular check-ups and managing lifestyle habits can help keep it under control.
  • Control Atrial Fibrillation: If you have AF, follow your doctor’s advice and take prescribed medications to reduce your stroke risk.
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can lower the risk of stroke.
  • Monitor Cholesterol Levels: High cholesterol can lead to artery blockages, increasing the risk of ischemic strokes.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family Financially Against Stroke?

Suffering a stroke can have long-term financial consequences due to medical costs, rehabilitation, and potential loss of income. Having the right financial protection in place can provide peace of mind and help manage the economic impact of a stroke.

Income Protection Insurance

Income protection insurance ensures that you receive a portion of your salary if you’re unable to work due to a stroke. Unlike other types of insurance, it provides ongoing payments (often up to 70% of your income) until you recover and can return to work, or until retirement age.

  • Benefits: Provides ongoing financial support to cover living expenses, mortgage repayments, and more during recovery.
  • Considerations: Review policy terms, including waiting periods and coverage length, to ensure it meets your needs.

Critical Illness Insurance

Critical illness insurance pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition covered by the policy, including stroke. This payment can be used for anything you need, from covering medical expenses to making modifications to your home or paying off debts.

  • Benefits: One-time lump-sum payment offers flexibility in how you use the funds, from medical care to lifestyle adjustments.
  • Considerations: Make sure stroke is explicitly listed as a covered condition in the policy.

Where to Find Support for Stroke Survivors in the UK

  • Stroke Association: The leading UK charity for stroke survivors, offering support, information, and guidance. www.stroke.org.uk
  • NHS Stroke Services: Access to rehabilitation, therapy, and medical care through the NHS. Visit www.nhs.uk
  • Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA): Support and information for those living with AF. www.afa.org.uk
  • Mind: Mental health support for stroke survivors dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional changes. www.mind.org.uk
  • Samaritans: Available 24/7 for emotional support and advice. Call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org

What you can do now: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones Against Stroke

Strokes can be sudden and devastating, but understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help reduce their impact. Prevention, awareness, and quick action are vital, and it’s equally important to have financial protection to help manage the unexpected costs associated with recovery.

At Mather & Murray Financial, we can guide you through the options of income protection insurance and critical illness cover, giving you financial confidence through comprehensive advice. Contact us today for more information on how to protect yourself and your family financially against the effects of a stroke. Book a call back now. 

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