Stroke

A stroke occurs because of disruption to the blood supply to a particular area of the brain, causing damage to that area of the brain.

FAST test

• Face: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?
• Arms: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?
• Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?
• Time: if you see any of these three signs, it's time to call 999.

 Source: Stroke Association

• Ischaemic Stroke - caused by an interruption to the flow of blood to the brain, and is the most common type.
• Haemorrhagic Stroke - results from arterial bleeds, rather than obstructions to the blood flow.
• Transient Ischaemic Attack (T.I.A.) - often called a mini-stroke, and can be warning symptoms leading to a full stroke.

Stroke Association
www.stroke.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 303 3100
Find your local support group:
https://tinyurl.com/y9opk5au

www.stroke.org.uk/node/11779

www.differentstrokes.co.uk

https://tinyurl.com/yc727obs

Physiotherapy works: Stroke (Chartered Society of Physiotherapists factsheet)
www.csp.org.uk/search/all/stroke

"Game your brain: the new benefits of neuroplasticity" (Wired magazine, May 2014)
https://tinyurl.com/y7lrce46

"Post-traumatic stress disorder common after stroke" (King's College London)
https://tinyurl.com/ydh24dzo

The library at The Brain Charity has a range of resources on Stroke and on a wide range of disability-related issues.

Visit our library to read The Successful Stroke Survivor: The new guide to functional recovery from stroke by Tom Balchin. Or have a look in your local library for this book.