Focusing on STROKE

A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

Strokes are a medical emergency and urgent treatment is essential.

The sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

If you suspect that you or someone else is having a stroke, phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Symptoms of a stroke

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word F.A.S.T.:

Face – the face may have dropped on one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
Arms – the person with suspected stroke may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
Speech – their speech may be slurred or garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake.
Time – it's time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

CAUSES OF A STROKE

Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain injury, disability and possibly death.

There are two main causes of strokes:

ischaemic – where the blood supply is stopped because of a blood clot, accounting for 85% of all cases
haemorrhagic – where a weakened blood vessel supplying the brain bursts

There's also a related condition known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA), where the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted.

This causes what's known as a mini-stroke, often lasting between a few minutes and several hours.

TIAs should be treated urgently, as they're often a warning sign you're at risk of having a full stroke in the near future. Seek medical advice as soon as possible, even if your symptoms resolve.

Certain conditions increase the risk of having a stroke, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes

RECOVERING FROM A STROKE

People who survive a stroke are often left with long-term problems caused by injury to their brain.

Some people need a long period of rehabilitation before they can recover their former independence, while many never fully recover and need support adjusting to living with the effects of their stroke.

Local authorities should provide free reablement services for anyone assessed as needing them. These services help the person recovering from a stroke to learn or relearn the skills necessary for independent daily living at home.

Some people will be dependent on some form of care for help with their daily activities. For example, a care worker could come to the person's home to help with washing and dressing, or to provide companionship.

HOW REMTEC CAN HELP.

Our much loved and very popular Hydrotilt chair is often recommended for those recovering from a severe stroke, offering excellent lateral support to prevent leaning.  Contact us to arrange a free seating assessment.

REFERENCES

1. Stroke Association (2018) Types of stroke Available from: www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke
2. NHS Choices (2017) Stroke Available from: www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/