Stroke is common and a major cause of disability, yet those who experience it, and their carers, are often denied information that could help them. Dawne Garrett and Fiona Cowdell consider the information needs of patients and carers at different intervals post stroke

Stroke is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the UK. It is the single biggest cause of major disability and the third highest cause of death. Stroke accounts for over 4 per cent of total NHS expenditure (Royal College of Physicians 2001). It is inevitable that the incidence of stroke will continue to increase as the population ages. The cost of caring for people with stroke is vast. It is therefore vital that all aspects of care provided enable patients to make an optimum recovery.