What causes a stroke?
A stroke occurs when part of the brain receives an inadequate blood supply. As we age, our arteries can become narrower and harder and more likely to become blocked. However, some medical conditions and lifestyle choices can speed up this process and increase your risk of having a stroke.
The symptoms vary according to the part of the brain that is affected and may include numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the limbs on one side of the body; trouble speaking or understanding speech; dizziness; confusion; or seizures.
On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that a stroke goes untreated.
What are the 5 stroke symptoms?
- Falling and/or numbness and tingling, particularly in the face, arm or leg.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, dizziness or loss of balance.
- Sudden weakness or numbness in one side of the body, especially the face, arm or leg.
- Sudden severe headache, neck stiffness, difficulty moving parts of the body, or change in vision, speech or behaviour.
- Recurring unexplained blackouts or memory loss.
Please note that each individual’s symptoms may vary. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms and especially if they persist for several hours.
Suspected Stroke Symptoms: Know the FAST test.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, the FAST test can help you identify the most common signs.
- Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or 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: if you see any of these signs.
Make sure you and your loved ones all know the FAST test.
The quicker you act, the better chance you have of survival and recovery from a stroke. Always call 999 straight away.
Ambulance paramedics are trained in stroke care and will ensure the person receives emergency medical care and specialist treatment.
What are the 3 main types of stroke?
- Ischaemic stroke
- Haemorrhagic stroke
- Transient ischaemic attack or TIA.
An ischaemic stroke is caused by a blockage cutting off the blood supply to the brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
A haemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in or around the brain.
A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the stroke symptoms only last for a short amount of time. This is because the blockage that stops the blood from getting to your brain is temporary.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 13% of strokes are of the ischemic variety, while 87% are due to spontaneous haemorrhages.
How can I reduce my risk of stroke?
A stroke is a serious medical emergency that happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. The UK Stroke Association estimates that 100,000 people have a stroke each year.
In the UK alone there are 1.3 million stroke survivors receiving aftercare to help build independence and recovery. Strokes can cause permanent damage to the brain and even death.
Many risk factors can increase your chances of having a stroke.
The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of having a stroke.
One of the most important things you can do is manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke. To help you manage your blood pressure, you will need to check it regularly and work with your doctor to ensure that it stays under control.
You should also try to keep your cholesterol levels in check. High cholesterol is another risk factor for stroke. You can work with your doctor to get your cholesterol tested and then develop a plan to keep it under control. In addition, you should try to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. These lifestyle changes can help you reduce your risk of stroke as well.
If you have diabetes, you need to work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels under control. Diabetes is a risk factor for stroke, and uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications.
If you smoke, you should quit. Smoking is a risk factor for stroke, and it can also make the recovery process from a stroke more difficult.
As soon as you experience any symptoms of a stroke, it’s important to call 999 or get to the nearest hospital immediately. Time is critical with this condition, and the sooner you can get to a hospital, the more likely you are to be able to receive treatment.
How long does it take to recover from a stroke?
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to strokes – some people experience relatively minor effects that don’t last long, while others are left with more serious problems that require dependence on others and more long-term.
Some strokes can lead to coma or sudden death, which is unfortunately very serious. The faster you can recognise the symptoms and get medical help, the better your chances for a good recovery.
Fatigue and tiredness
The majority of people who have a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke) experience fatigue. It’s a very common symptom after a stroke.
What is post-stroke fatigue?
Post-Stroke Fatigue (PSF) is a common condition that some stroke survivors experience. It can cause physical, cognitive, and emotional problems.
Symptoms can include:
- Sleeping problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety or depression
- Decreased appetite or overeating
- Forgetfulness or confusion
Stroke survivors should work with their healthcare team to manage PSF. Remaining physically active, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important strategies. Discuss these strategies with your healthcare team, and ask if any additional treatments may help.
Managing your fatigue
Although there isn’t a clearly defined treatment for post-stroke fatigue, there are some practical steps that you can take to reduce and manage your fatigue.
Stroke survivors should work with their healthcare team to manage PSF. Remaining physically active, eating healthy foods, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep are all important strategies. Discuss these strategies with your healthcare team, and ask if any additional treatments may help.
How to cope with life after a stroke?
Movement can be a powerful tool in your post-stroke recovery, helping you to regain confidence and improve your well-being. It can also help you stay healthy and avoid further complications.
One of your main goals after a stroke may be to get moving again, but once you finish therapy and leave the hospital, how can you keep up the good work?
Begin slowly and increase the intensity.
Don’t try to do too much all at once – everyone is different and you need to discover what works for you. Over time, you can add more movement into your daily life – at home or work. Whether you are seated, walking, alone or in a group, there are always new ways to be active.
How to get started.
Start by setting some realistic goals, then try to take things slowly. Doing too much too soon can make it more likely that you’ll give up, so it’s best to take things one step at a time. Make sure to schedule some time to rest, especially if you’re feeling fatigued.
Find something you enjoy
Finding something you enjoy doing makes it much easier to keep going. Try different things until you find something you love.
“Work it into your day”
If you’re planning an activity, jot it down in your diary. That way, it’s already on your mind, and you’re much more likely to do it. Make a to-do list. Make sure it’s realistic, and then cross things off as you do them.
Do it with others.
Sharing your movement/activity goals with other people can help you stay on track. Working out with a friend is a great way to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals. You can encourage each other, stay on track, and celebrate your successes together.
If you give up, you’ll never know what you could have accomplished.
Do not be discouraged if you are unable to continue with an activity. You may just need a break or a change of pace. If you’re having trouble getting around due to physical barriers, see if you can find an alternate route that doesn’t involve those obstacles. There’s no harm in trying out different things until you find what works best for you.
Summary
Knowing the signs of a stroke is essential, and we hope that the information above helps you recognise some of the most common symptoms. It is also essential to know that you can have a life after suffering a stroke, with the right support, care, and professional help, you can lead a normal life with a recovery plan and assistance from family and friends.
Hygea offer complex care services as part of our care, should you be looking for assistance to aid in your recovery after a stroke, then please contact us at 0115 648 6630, and a member of the management team will be pleased to give you the best advice possible.
Resources:
Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org.uk/
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/
Different Strokes: https://differentstrokes.co.uk/
Think Ahead Stroke: https://www.think-ahead.org.uk/
