And we hope the Department of Health will consider an awareness campaign to let people know of the connection between smoking and strokes. Studies such as this make the case for controlling smoking when people are at work, or in public places absolutely overwhelming. There are very serious public health risks here. Strokes are caused by a blood clot or rupture of blood vessels in the brain. They vary in severity but generally cause some permanent damage such as slurred speech and confusion.
Severe cases can cause paralysis and death.
Half of stroke victims are more than 75 years old. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.