A stroke is where the blood supply to an area of the brain is interrupted causing damage to brain cells.  This happens either with a clot in the blood vessel or the blood vessel bursting.  The effects of a stroke depend on where in the brain, and how big, the interruption to blood flow is.  Most people who have had a stroke are admitted to hospital.  If the stroke has had significant physical effects you may be admitted to our rehabilitation unit aimed at increasing your independence, preventing complications from stroke and preventing further strokes.  For more information on stroke a very useful website is the New Zealand Stroke Foundation site www.stroke.org.nz