A CHARITY today urged people to become more aware of the devastating impact of suffering a stroke.

The results of a new survey issued by The Stroke Association show people in Scotland are more concerned about losing their bank card than their brain health.

The survey found that around one third of people would wait up to 24 hours or more before taking action if they experienced the symptoms of a stroke.

Strokes can strike without warning and leave sufferers paralysed, blind or unable to speak.

Maddy Halliday, director of The Stroke Association in Scotland, said: "These results highlight how stroke continues to be misunderstood by the public and is way down on their agenda.

"People do not realise the devastation that a stroke can cause or that it can be prevented."

Latest figures show that annual charity research funding into stroke is £2.6 million.

Professor Joanna Wardlaw from Edinburgh University said: "Stroke is an underfunded area. Donating funds for stroke research and encouraging hospitals and patients to participate in stroke trials is crucial."