A stroke is a brain attack
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off or reduced. The brain needs the nutrients and oxygen the blood carries, and without them brain cells can become damaged or die.
Different parts of the brain control everything we do, think and feel - things we take for granted, like being able to move, balance, speak, understand, remember, see and hear. If the part of the brain that controls any of these activities is damaged, our ability to do them will be affected.
It is a serious illness
Of all people who have a stroke, about a third are likely to make a significant recovery within a month. But unfortunately, not everyone gets better. If a stroke is very severe, permanent damage to brain cells can result in long-term disability. In the worst cases, a stroke can be fatal if parts of the brain that control vital functions like breathing are shut down.
The symptoms are sudden
A stroke has an immediate effect on how both the body and mind work. Typical symptoms include:
- numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
- slurred speech or difficulty finding words or understanding speech
- blurred vision or loss of sight
- confusion or unsteadiness.
An immediate assessment is vital
When the stroke first happens, tests are needed to make sure that the right emergency treatment is given. Initial hospital assessments will check for:
- the type of stroke, the area of damage and how serious it is
- the condition of the heart and lungs
- problems with swallowing
Links
Hospital tests
Swallow test
Heart and blood vessel tests
Going into hospital
Rehabilitation
From hospital to home
