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University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

What is Stroke?

A stroke happens when there is some disruption or a blockage to the flow of blood to the brain. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die. This damage can have different effects, depending on where it happens in your brain. Blood flow to the brain can be cut off by a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or a bleed (haemorrhagic stroke).

Stroke Association - Stroke leaflet

Symptoms of a stroke can include:

  • sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • difficulty finding words
  • sudden blurred vision or loss of sight
  • sudden confusion, dizziness or unsteadiness

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or Mini strokes

A transient ischaemic attack or TIA is also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary.

More than one in 12 people will have a stroke within a week of having a TIA. Because of this, a TIA is often called a warning stroke. Research has shown that specialist assessment and investigation promptly after TIA helps to reduce risk of stroke by 80%. So seek medical attention urgently.

Suspect a stroke – ACT FAST

How a patient can be treated after stroke depends on how quickly they are brought to hospital. This is a crucial part of ensuring better outcomes for patients. Early diagnosis is essential to a positive outcome. Remember act FAST, if you suspect a stroke, dial 999.

  • 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.

You can download the ACT FAST poster here.

In practical terms this means that as soon as a patient is brought to hospital by ambulance, they can be assessed and have a brain scan. For some patients it may be appropriate to have clot–busting drugs, referred to as thrombolysis, to help improve the blood supply to the brain. This treatment is only effective and safe if given within 3-4.5 hours of the stroke happening.

Stroke patients will be initially cared for on the Acute Stroke Unit.

What to expect during your admission

We will assess for the type of stroke that you have had by performing a CT Brain scan. The CT may show evidence of:

  • Ischaemic Stroke (blockage of an artery to the brain by a blood clot)
  • Haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain)

The CT may also be unclear, but a stroke can still be diagnosed from your clinical presentation.

We will then investigate the cause of your stroke by assessing lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet and exercise. We may also perform:

  • Blood tests to look for diabetes and raised cholesterol
  • Heart tracing investigation (ECG) to look for signs of an irregular heartbeat
  • Ultrasound scan of your carotid arteries (carotid doppler) to ensure there is no blockage/narrowing of the carotid arteries which may have contributed to your stroke
  • Heart ultrasound scan (Echocardiogram)
  • Further brain scans such as an MRI
  • Medication review – your medications may be adjusted to reduce the risk of further strokes. These medications may include blood thinning medications, cholesterol lowering medications or blood pressure lowering medications.

Our multidisciplinary team will fully assess your needs and see if these have changed because of your stroke. Once these initial assessments have been completed, we will then discuss with you whether you are able to be discharged home or whether you require a period of medical treatment and/or rehabilitation either on the ward or within your own home.

Stroke Recovery

All strokes are different. For some people the effects may be relatively minor and may not last long. Others may be left with more serious problems that make them dependent on other people.

Unfortunately not everyone survives – around one in eight people die within 30 days of having a stroke. That's why it's so important to be able to recognise the symptoms and get medical help as quickly as possible.

The quicker you receive treatment, the better your chances for a good recovery.

The rehabilitation process supports people to regain as much independence as possible, and to live with the long term impact of their stroke. The process of rehabilitation will be specific to you. It begins whilst you are in hospital, and may continue once you have left hospital.

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