Stroke is a major cause of permanent disability and lack of mobility
There are about 9,000 strokes a year in Ireland
One fifth of stroke patients are under 65
Between 3 and 3.5 per cent of population over 65 have had a stroke
The Mater Hospital sees about one new stroke patient a day
Almost 10 per cent of admissions through casualty at the Mater and St Vincent's hospitals are stroke patients
Dedicated stroke units reduce death and disability by about 20 per cent
Stroke particularly affects low income groups and the elderly
The speedier the access to treatment in casualty the better the long term outlook for the patient's recovery
Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increasing sugar levels
If you have diabetes your risk of stroke are increased
About 20 per cent of new stroke patients will have a second one in the first year
The numbers of stroke patients is likely to increase as the population ages
Average cost of care in Ireland is €7,680 per person - excluding loss of earnings
In the UK stroke accounts for 6 per cent of all healthcare spending.