Skip to content

Understanding stroke

Understanding what a stroke is can help you reduce your risk of having a stroke and help you cope with your own or a loved one's stroke.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, causing it to stop working and eventually damaging brain cells.

Brain sculpture

Recognising stroke signs

It is vital to recognise when someone is having a stroke and get medical attention as soon as possible.

Holding arm

Reducing stroke risks

Over 9000 strokes and an unknown number of TIAs are experienced in New Zealand every year. But the good news is that up to 90% of strokes are preventable.

Bec in the van

Statistics & data

Stroke affects thousands of people in Aotearoa New Zealand each year, but there is hope - both in prevention and in recovery.

Book with glasses

Support your workplace

We offer various educational programs and toolkits to ensure your workplace is protected from stroke.

F.A.S.T. workplace toolkit

Build your own F.A.S.T. information training session by choosing and downloading the guides, factsheets, videos and meeting aids you need.

F.A.S.T. tile

Stroke101

Stroke101 education sessions support your workforce to confidently work with people affected by stroke, increase your team’s capability, and improve patient/client wellbeing and outcomes.

Kainga Ora stroke101 training