Stroke

STROKE IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY!!!!!!

SUSPECT A STROKE?

Act FAST. Call 999!

What is a stroke?

A stroke brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. Most strokes occur when blood clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Some strokes caused by bleeding in or around the brain from a burst blood vessel.

Facts about stroke

Stroke is devastating. Every year around 150,000 people have a stroke. 50,000 die from it, while another 50,000 are left with severe disability. There are over 1 million stroke survivors in the UK; and around half of them need support with everyday tasks like making a cup of tea.

What is a TIA (transient ischaemic attack)?

A TIA (sometimes called a mini stroke) is similar to a full stroke but the symptoms may only last a few minutes and will have completely gone within 24 hours. Don't ignore it. A TIA should be treated as an emergency. It could lead to a major stroke. Seek urgent medical attention, either from your GP or at A&E. You should be given daily aspirin immediately and be assessed for future strokes.If your risk is high you should be assessed by a stroke specialist within 24 hours. If your risk is low, you should still see a specialist within 7 days.

The Stroke Association

They believe that stroke can and should be prevented. It's why they fund research to develop new treatments and ways to prevent stroke. It's why they raise awareness and give people the information they need to reduce their risk of having a stroke. They'd rather no one had a stroke, but if they do, they are with them every step of the way to make the best recovery they can.

The face, arm, speech test (FAST) can help you recognise the symptoms of a stroke

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

What are the symptoms of stroke?

- Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.

- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding spoken language

- Sudden loss or blurring of vision, in one or both eyes

- Sudden confusion

- Dizziness, unsteadiness or a sudden fall, especially with any of the other signs

- Sudden severe headache with no apparent cause

Why act FAST?

Stroke is a medical emergency. By calling 999, you can help someone needs to reach the hospital quickly and receive the early treatment they need. Prompt action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery. Delay can result in death, or long term disabilities, such as paralysis, memory loss and communication problems. Ambulance crews use

FAST and can act fast with hospital staff to identify a stroke quickly. If you see any of these symptoms, it could be a stroke so act FAST.

If you suspect a stroke, act FAST and call 999

What you can do to lower you risk?

- Get your Blood Pleasure and pulse checked on a regular basis

- Don't ignore stroke symptoms. "Act FAST" and get urgent medical attention

- Review your medicines with a pharmacist on an annual basis.

Contact details:

Stroke Helpline: 03033033100

stroke.org.uk

Thank you guys for reading x