Bladder and bowel problems
A stroke often causes problems with bladder and bowel control. These usually improve in the early weeks after the stroke, but around a third of stroke survivors may have longer term difficulties.
Changes to taste and smell
A stroke can sometimes cause changes to your taste and smell. Things can taste different or taste bad (dysgeusia) or you may not taste flavours (hypogeusia or ageusia). Some people lose the sense of smell (anosmia) or become more sensitive to smells (hyperosmia). These problems often improve over time, and our guide gives some practical tips about oral hygiene and enjoying your food.
Dealing with swallowing problems
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Swallowing problems are common after a stroke. This guide explains why they happen, and discusses some of the things you can do to manage them.
Fatigue and tiredness
Find out why you may experience severe tiredness (known as fatigue) after a stroke and what can be done to help you manage it.
Getting active after a stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
Getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of a stroke. This guide explains how exercise can improve your health, suggests some activities for you to try, and gives some organisations and resources that can help you find a form of exercise that suits you.
Haemorrhagic stroke
A haemorrhagic stroke is a stroke that is caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Although they are less common than strokes that are caused by a blockage, they can be much more serious.
Healthy eating and stroke
Resource type: Information leaflet
Publication type: Stroke information
This leaflet explains why what you eat affects your risk of stroke and suggests some simple ways you can make your diet healthier.
Ischaemic stroke
An ischaemic stroke happens when a blood clot, or other blockage, cuts off the blood supply to your brain. This is the most common type of stroke.
Locked-in syndrome after brain stem stroke
A stroke in the brain stem can cause the very rare condition of locked-in syndrome, where the person is conscious but unable to move apart from their eyes.
Seizures and epilepsy after stroke
Some people can experience post-stroke seizures. A small number of people go on to develop epilepsy, which is a tendency to have repeated seizures. Find out about the different types of seizures and how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated.