Our brain and the effects of a stroke

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. It regulates everything we do - eating, sleeping, speaking, thinking, walking, and writing. The brain needs a constant supply of blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells. Different parts of the brain manage different functions in the body, and are supplied by different blood vessels. If the blood supply of a specific area breaks down, the brain can no longer carry out the corresponding function.

The consequences of a stroke depend on the type of stroke, for how long the blood supply was interrupted, the size of the damaged area and which part of the brain is affected. An important factor in a patient’s recovery is the initial management in a specialised stroke unit.