A stroke is caused when a blood clot cuts off the blood supply to the brain and the brain cells are damaged. It is an emergency and is the third commonest cause of death in the United Kingdom. It is also the leading cause of disability among adults. Complete recovery from a stroke is possible, but almost two-thirds of people who suffer a stroke end up with some form of disability.

 

If you suspect a stroke, a quick test to do to check is to look for these signs:

 

FAST: Face weakness Arm weakness Speech problems Test these signs!

 

80% of strokes can be prevented. Risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, diabetes, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol, old age, old stroke or ‘mini-strokes’ and irregular heartbeat. The most important measure to prevent a stroke is controlling high blood pressure.

 

Stroke must be treated as a medical emergency to reduce the size of brain damage. Sometimes, the blood clot can be dissolved by ‘thrombolysis’, if the patient is transferred to hospital early enough. Once the brain damage is done, rehabilitation and preventing another stroke from happening are the aims of treatment.

 

In Nottinghamshire County, the excellent work being done at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS trust has been reported to be one of the best stroke care services in the country.

 

Nottinghamshire County PCT also offers excellent rehabilitation services to stroke patients, such as ‘early supported discharge’ from hospital for patients and their families/carers. In the community, stroke patients are offered supportive services for functional, communication, emotional and other difficulties.