Stroke Information
Stroke Information
There is a lot of information on the internet about strokes. We have compiled some information you may find useful.
There is a lot of information on the internet about strokes. We have compiled some information you may find useful.
Types of Stroke
Types of Stroke
A stroke is a brain attack. It is the result of the blood supply to part of the brain being cut off so the brain is starved of the oxygen it needs and brain cells begin to die, never recovering.
A stroke is a brain attack. It is the result of the blood supply to part of the brain being cut off so the brain is starved of the oxygen it needs and brain cells begin to die, never recovering.
There are two main types of stroke:
There are two main types of stroke:
Ischaemic stroke - the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain.
Ischaemic stroke - the most common type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain.
Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in the brain.
Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in the brain.
TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack)
TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack)
Also known as a mini stroke. This occurs when the brain’s blood supply is briefly interrupted. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a full stroke but last under 24 hours.
Also known as a mini stroke. This occurs when the brain’s blood supply is briefly interrupted. The symptoms of a TIA are the same as a full stroke but last under 24 hours.
Having a TIA indicates a higher likelihood of suffering a full stroke in the next few days to weeks, although urgent treatment can reduce this by over 80%.
Having a TIA indicates a higher likelihood of suffering a full stroke in the next few days to weeks, although urgent treatment can reduce this by over 80%.
Impact of Stroke
Impact of Stroke
The abilities that are affected will depend on what part of the brain the stroke happens and what is controlled by that part of the brain.
The abilities that are affected will depend on what part of the brain the stroke happens and what is controlled by that part of the brain.
Nearly half of stroke survivors can be left disabled with features like:
Nearly half of stroke survivors can be left disabled with features like:
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of their body
- Speech and language difficulties
- Difficulties in perception and cognition
- Fatigue
- Mood swings and emotional problems
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third biggest killer in Britain.
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and the third biggest killer in Britain.
Stroke is often thought of affecting older people. While the majority of people who have a stroke are over 65, a sizeable proportion (20%) are younger than the age of retirement.
Stroke is often thought of affecting older people. While the majority of people who have a stroke are over 65, a sizeable proportion (20%) are younger than the age of retirement.
Prevention
Prevention
There are many risk factors that increase the chance of stroke, including high cholesterol, family history of stroke and medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
There are many risk factors that increase the chance of stroke, including high cholesterol, family history of stroke and medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries which can result in a blockage or cause the artery to split, increasing the risk of having a stroke. You may not even know if you have high blood pressure, so you should have it checked regularly.
High blood pressure damages the walls of arteries which can result in a blockage or cause the artery to split, increasing the risk of having a stroke. You may not even know if you have high blood pressure, so you should have it checked regularly.
Healthy living habits such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, healthy eating and regular exercise are proven ways to reduce the risk of stroke and stroke recurrence for those who have had a stroke before.
Healthy living habits such as not smoking, drinking in moderation, healthy eating and regular exercise are proven ways to reduce the risk of stroke and stroke recurrence for those who have had a stroke before.
You should speak with your doctor or a specialist to see if you are at higher risk of a stroke and to receive information on how to reduce your risk if applicable.
You should speak with your doctor or a specialist to see if you are at higher risk of a stroke and to receive information on how to reduce your risk if applicable.
