Stroke Care

A stroke is a serious condition in which the blood supply to the brain cuts off due to a burst vessel or blood clot. All strokes are a medical emergency, and the sooner the individual receives treatment, the less damage is likely to happen.

Prior to a stroke, a blood vessel is either blocked by a blood clot or the vessel ruptures. This causes blood to be cut off from areas of the brain. Consequently, as the brain cannot get the blood it needs, the brain loses oxygen, causing brain cells to die.

Stroke’s can take three primary forms; an ischaemic stroke – the most common form of stroke, a haemorrhagic stroke – caused by a ruptured blood vessel  and a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – also known as a mini-stroke. All three however can be identified early by remembering the acronym FAST (Face-Arms-Speech-Time).

• Face – Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
• Arms – Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred?
• Time – Time to call 999 for emergency help if you see any single one of these signs.

Additional warning signs that someone may be suffering a stroke or about to include:

• Numbness. This may be felt in the face, arm, leg or possibly around the mouth. Most commonly the weakness occurs on one side of the body
• Speech problems. Speech may be slurred, and the affected individual may be unable to speak at all
• Confusion. You may become confused and have trouble understanding what people are saying to you
• Vision problems. Double vision may be experienced or difficult to see out of one eye or both eyes
• Dizziness. Feeling dizzy and difficulty with coordination and balance may be experienced
• Head pain. A severe headache may suddenly come and possibly vomiting

If you suspect anyone of having a stroke you should call the emergency services on 999 as soon as possible.

There are more than 100,000 strokes every year in the United Kingdom, equating to around one every five minutes. Strokes are the fourth single leading cause of death in the UK, however, there are an estimated 1.2 million stroke survivors of strokes.

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of you having a stroke. Certain factors cannot be controlled for such as gender, age and genetics. However, lifestyle factors can also play a part, including a poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, high salt intake, high cholesterol and heavy drinking.

All stroke cases are unique as it depends on which part of the brain was damaged and to what extent. Early rehabilitation and treatment can improve the recovery rate, however, in severe cases, a stroke can cause permanent damage, a loss of function or even death.

Although some people can recover quickly, many individuals who suffer from a stroke require a long period of time to fully rest and recover. The process of rehabilitation depends on the symptoms and their severity, so each individual case is different. Certain individuals may require stroke assistance to regain full independence.

For stroke survivors, a quality night’s sleep unearths a number of benefits. Sleep supports neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to create new connections between nerves in healthy parts of the brain). This allows stroke survivors to make progress with moments and functions.

The following can also support stroke survivors in their recovery:

• Aspirin – a painkiller and antiplatelet that reduces the chance of more clots forming 
• Thrombolysis – injections of a clot-busting medicine called Alteplase dissolves blood clots and increases blood flow to the brain 
• Thrombectomy – an emergency procedure that restores blood flow to the brain. Most effective straight after a stroke has taken place 
• Blood pressure medicines – medicines can be taken in order to reduce blood pressure, further reducing the risk of another stroke 
• Anticoagulants – prevent the risk of blood clots by changing the chemical composition of the blood 
• Statins – reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood 
• Carotid endarterectomy – a form of surgery that unblocks the carotid artery before removing the fatty plaque deposits

It is estimated that currently:

• Around 10% of stroke victims recover almost completely
• Around 25% recover with minor impairments 
• Around 40% have moderate to severe impairments requiring special care
• Around 10% require full-time care 
• Around 15% die shortly after a stroke

There are a number of things stroke patients should look to avoid, including: 

• Smoking
• Excessive amounts of alcohol 
• Lack of exercise or therapy
• An unbalanced diet 
• Food with high salt content
• Fatty foods
• Processed foods

Following a stroke, if the patient wishes to remain in their home around safe, comfortable and familiar surroundings – home care is the best option. Home care offers flexible and personal stroke care without the daunting thought of moving into a care home.