What is a stroke?

Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the UK and the third most common cause of death after cancer and coronary heart disease.

A stroke is caused by a disturbance of blood supply to the brain. There are two main types of stroke which require different types of treatment:

1. Ischaemic stroke, which is cause by a blockage of vessels that supply blood to the brain
2. Haemorrhagic stroke, which is caused by bleeding into the brain

A TIA (Transient ischaemic attack) or 'mini-stroke' causes the same signs and symptoms as a stroke, but these disappear within 24 hours. TIA may not result in any long term problems but it could be a warning sign of a more serious stroke. However, it is important not to wait to see if the signs get better as it could be a full stroke and requires the same F.A.S.T. action to call 999 for an ambulance.

ACT F.A.S.T

ACT F.A.S.T. is a new national campaign aimed at helping people to recognise the signs of stroke, and act quickly to save lives and reduce the damage caused.

A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

So recognising the signs and calling 999 for an ambulance is crucial.

Quick diagnosis of stroke is important to understanding the cause, assessing the damage and providing the right medical treatment immediately.

The sooner somebody who has had a stroke gets the right medical attention, the more of their brain might be saved and the better their chances of a good recovery.

So minutes really do matter.

THE F.A.S.T TEST

F: Face; Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?

A: Arms: Can they raise both arms and keep them there?

S: Speech: Is their speech slurred?

T: Time to call 999 if you see any single one of these signs

If the person has failed any of these tests, dial 999 for an ambulance immediately so they can be taken to hospital for urgent treatment.

Paramedics and ambulance staff are trained to assess patients with suspected stroke and get them to hospital quickly.

REHABILITATION AFTER A STROKE

NHS Devon provides stroke rehabilitation in 3 Stroke Units:

• Budleigh Salterton Hospital
• Crediton Hospital
• Newton Abbot Hospital

All the units provide specialist stroke rehabilitation with teams of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapist, and doctors.

People with stroke will have rehabilitation in preparation for their move out of hospital. Relatives and carers are encouraged to work along side the stroke team and be involved in care.

It is best if patients bring soft, comfortable and loose clothes, and it is important to have a pair of supportive shoes, preferably flat lace ups or trainers.
Also make sure that you have your:

• Glasses
• Hearing Aids
• Dentures

Patients will need to make arrangements for a supply of clean clothes.

After you leave hospital, rehabilitation will often continue. This may consist of further therapy or advice to the people who are helping to look after you on ways of improving independence.

For further information about stroke rehabilitation or services available after leaving hospital please contact:

Rhoda Allison, Consultant Therapist at Newton Abbot at rhoda.allison@nhs.net or on 01626 324549

Tim Ayers, Consultant Nurse in Stroke at Budleigh Salterton and Crediton at timayers@nhs.net or on 01395 442020

INFORMATION BOOKLETS

Unit or hospital specific information:

• Transferring to the East Devon stroke unit
• East Devon stroke unit - Information for relatives and carers
• Advice for Visitors to the Budleigh Salterton Hospital
• Crediton stroke unit - Information for relatives and carers
  
• South Devon Patient & Visitor information booklet

General stroke related information:

• Life after a stroke - Return to work pathway
• Reduce the risk of stroke - Make lifestyle changes
• Reduce risk of further stroke (Haemorrhage = Bleed in the brain)
  
• Reduce risk of further stroke ( Infarct / ischemia = Clot in the brain)
  
  

CARERS

Please click the link for the Stroke Service Support for Carers leaflet.