Stroke survivors in Scotland are being asked to contribute to an “ambitious new project” to determine future priorities for research.

Charity the Stroke Association says it is working for the first time to identify the areas of investigation which will make the biggest difference to the lives of those affected by the condition.

The feedback will be used to draw up a defined set of priorities for stroke research and anyone who has been affected by stroke – from survivors to family members and support staff – is being urged to have their say.

More than 14,000 strokes happen every year in Scotland and an estimated 128,000 people are rebuilding their lives after suffering a stroke.

Ruth Lyle, from Hawick, who had a stroke in 2017 and is involved in the project, urged others to get involved by filling in the survey.

She said: “All those affected by stroke – not just researchers – should get the opportunity to feed into this piece of work.

“We need to know what is important to those individuals.”

Andrea Cail, Scotland director at the Stroke Association, said stroke could have various impacts, ranging from affecting speech and physical ability to emotions and personality.

“The good news is that stroke research continues to find new treatments, and also ways to improve how we can help more people live independently in their own home, return to work and rebuild lives. 

“However, we want future stroke research to address the things that matter most to everyone affected by stroke and make the biggest difference to the lives of stroke survivors.

“Through this initiative we will develop a defined set of research priorities for stroke.

“But, if we are to be successful, we need everyone in Scotland who has been affected by stroke to engage with this project.”