Stroke
What is a stroke?
A stroke is essentially an attack to the brain, sudden and with immediate effect to the body. The bloody supply to the brain is cut off, causing a lack of nutrients and oxygen to reach the brain, damaging and destroying brain cells.
Brain damage can affect all bodily functions as well as how we process information, feel, communicate and learn. As a result, all these mental processes can be affected in the event of a stroke.
There are two kinds of stroke. The most common is a blockage, called an ischaemic stroke, which occurs when a clot blocks an artery carrying blood to the brain. The second kind is a bleed, when a blood vessel bursts and causing bleeding, called a haemorrhagic stroke.
What causes strokes?
Strokes can occur in people of any age, but there are ways to decrease the likelihood of them happening. While some factors cannot be changed, such as family history or ethnic background, others can, such as lifestyle changes or medication.
Strokes are more common in people aged over 55, and the risk rises with age. More men than women suffer from strokes, probably due to the link between the condition and high levels of cholesterol.
High blood pressure and diabetes are also indicative factors which can be hereditary. Research has also shown that people from Asian, African and African-Caribbean backgrounds are at greater risk.
What are the symptoms?
The signs of a stroke are very sudden, and symptoms include:
- Numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, for example, a droopy arm or dribbling
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision or complete loss of sight
- Confusion
- Severe headache
A test, called the Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) can help people determine whether a person has experienced a stroke.
- Facial weakness: can the person smile, has their mouth or an eye drooped?
- Arm weakness: can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems: can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
- Time to call 999.
How Priory can help
The Priory currently offers neuro-rehabilitation services for people who have suffered a stroke, usually on an inpatient basis. We work to a care pathway which co-ordinates our skilled team in treating and caring for a diverse range of people following brain injury. This may include people who are in a low awareness state, through to people who have very complex behavioural difficulties. The aim of the service is to maximise quality of life and functional potential.
For more information or to request an initial assessment, please call 0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com
For more support
If you feel you or a friend or relative may need support and would like help or more information, you can ask your GP or contact any of the following organisations.
The Stroke Association
www.stroke.org.uk
0845 303 3100
The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090
Priory
www.priorygroup.com
0845 2 PRIORY (0845 2 774679) or email info@priorygroup.com.