The injury to the brain caused by a stroke can lead to widespread and long-lasting problems. Stroke is a type of cerebrovascular disease, which is one of the leading causes of death in the UK. Stroke accounts for roughly 75% of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases. Meaning is the 4th biggest killer in the UK, on average 1 in 6 people will suffer a stroke in their lifetime. Strokes are not always fatal but can have a huge and challenging recovery ahead for the individual. This can be extremely difficult for the families as well as the patient as they may need constant care for a very long period of their life, even the rest of their life. Stroke is sudden and unexpected and, with little or no time to prepare, it can take a huge physical, mental, and emotional toll on the families of stroke survivors. Some potential changes that can happen are your loved one’s personality, mood and health can suddenly be very different to before. Some of these things are anxiety, Aphasia, Cognitive difficulties, Depression, Dysarthria (slurred speech), Incontinence, Frustration and Seizures following stroke.
Do you know the signs and symptoms of someone having a stroke?
Balance (loss of balance, headache, and dizziness)
Eyes (Blurred vision)
Face (one side of face is drooping)
Arm (arm or leg weakness)
Speech (Speech difficulty)
Time to call an ambulance!
999
Did you know that Some people have a stroke without any symptoms?
The effects of a stroke will depend on how long the interruption is. A mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when the blood vessel is just temporarily blocked. The symptoms can go away within minutes as the blood supply returns and there might not be much permanent damage to the brain cells. A TIA can be a sign that a more serious stroke is on the way, so it is important to take them seriously and to seek help, even if the symptoms go away by themselves. About 4 in 10 people who have a TIA will go on to have a stroke.
Who is at risk or a stroke and can you help prevent it?
Anyone can have a stroke, but some of us are more likely to have one than others.
You are more likely to have a stroke if:
You smoke
Are overweight
Have high cholesterol
Drink a lot of alcohol
You have certain conditions such as diabetes or atrial fibrillation
Or have high blood pressure
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle can help to lower many of these risks. Several underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, increase your risk of stroke. By keeping these conditions under control and managing them appropriately, you minimise that increased risk.
But a stroke can still happen to everyone and anyone. So, remember,
B E F A S T
