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Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA)
The drug most commonly used for thrombolysis. It breaks down blood clots and so can reverse the damage done by the stroke, but it must be given within four and a half hours of a stroke happening.
Reflexology
A type of complementary therapy involving massage on specific areas on the feet (or less frequently the hands) in order to rebalance energy in the body and stimulate natural healing. It works on the theory that all parts of the body are reflected in the feet and hands and that stimulating relevant areas influences their corresponding organs and systems.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation helps you recover and adapt to your situation. It usually involves specific therapies such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. You will often take part in exercises to help you recover any abilities you have lost and learn new techniques to compensate for any lasting effects from your stroke.
Respite care
Care given to someone for a short period, usually away from their own home, so their carer can have a break from their caring responsibilities.
Retinopathy
Damage to the retina, the part of the eye that interprets information. It is a common complication of diabetes. Retinopathy frequently has no symptoms until it is well advanced, so anyone with diabetes should be offered screening every year.
Risk factors (for stroke)
Factors that increase the chances of a stroke happening. They include things we can’t change such as our age and ethnicity, medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation), and lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise.
Rupture
To be torn or to break open. If an artery in or around the brain ruptures, it can cause bleeding in the brain which is a type of stroke (called a haemorrhagic stroke).