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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
This is when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel (vein) deep in your body. Usually the clot is in your leg. A DVT can be caused by being inactive for a long time, because this slows the flow of blood. For example, if you have had a stroke you may be not be able to move around as much. This can be dangerous because a clot could break off, travel to your lungs and cause a blockage.

Delirium
When someone is confused and agitated. Delirium can be caused by infections or side effects from medicines. It should get better once the cause is treated.

Dementia
A condition where damage to your brain causes cognitive problems such as difficulty with your memory, understanding and mood. Dementia is a progressive condition which means it gets worse over time. Stroke can cause a type of dementia called vascular dementia.

Diabetes
A condition where your body is not able to process sugar (glucose). Diabetes causes high levels of sugar in your blood. This increases your risk of stroke and other problems, like damage to your kidneys. There are two types, type 1 diabetes is when you don’t produce any insulin, type 2 diabetes, which usually develops in adulthood, is when your body cannot produce enough insulin. Diabetes can be controlled by eating healthily and taking medication if needed.

Diastolic pressure
One of two measurements that make up your blood pressure reading. Diastolic pressure is the force with which blood is pumped around our bodies in between heart beats. It is the second figure given in a blood pressure reading (e.g. 140/90mmHg) and it is usually lower than the first number which is called systolic pressure, a measure of the force of blood flow when the heart beats.

Dietitian
A health professional who can give you specialist advice about eating a healthy diet, losing weight, and managing medical conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Diplopia
Double vision.

Dipyridamole
A type of blood-thinning medication that stops blood clots from forming and so reduces your risk of stroke. It is often prscribed together with aspirin. It is sometimes called Persantin or Persantin retard. 

Disability
You have a disability if you have an impairment that has a significant long-term effect on your day-to-day activities. Stroke can cause a range of disabilities including weakness or paralysis and visual problems. The Equality Act (2010) aims to protect the rights of disabled people.

Diuretics
The name for a group of drugs which make you pass more urine. They are sometimes used to control heart failure and high blood pressure.

Doppler scan
A type of ultrasound scan. Doctors often use a Doppler scan to check for narrowing of the blood vessels in your neck. The person doing the scan will put a special jelly on your neck and run a probe over this. It is a safe and painless test. 

Drop foot
A problem with walking that can be caused by a stroke. It means that your foot is difficult to lift and your toes might catch on the ground. This can increase the risk of tripping and falling.

Dysarthria
Weakness in the muscles that control your mouth, lips, tongue or breathing. This can make your speech slower or slurred.

Dysphasia
See: Aphasia.