Act FAST: Stroke Awareness Month 2017

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off.

Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die.

This damage can have different effects, depending on where it happens in your brain.

A stroke can affect the way your body works as well as how you think, feel and communicate.

What are the different types of strokes? Ischaemic stroke – This is the most common type and when there is a blockage that cuts of blood to the brain. Haemorrhagic stroke – This is caused by a bleeding around the brain Transient ischaemic attack or TIA – also known as a mini-stroke. It is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours. This is because the blockage that stops the blood getting to your brain is temporary.

Childhood Strokes – Although less common anyone can have a stroke including babies. However, the causes are different

What causes stroke?

As we age our arteries become harder and narrower and more likely to become blocked. However, certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can speed up this process and increase your risk of having a stroke

Can you recover from stroke?

All strokes are different. For some people the effects may be relatively minor and may not last long. Others may be left with more serious problems that make them dependent on other people.

Unfortunately, not everyone survives – around one in eight people die within 30 days of having a stroke. That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognise the symptoms and get medical help as quickly as possible.

What are the symptoms of a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency. If you, or someone else, shows any signs of having a stroke you need to seek immediate medical attention.

FAST test

The FAST test can help you to recognise some of the most common symptoms of a stroke:

Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their face fallen on one side?

Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms and keep them there?

Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? Is their speech slurred?

Time to call 999.

If a person fails any one of these tests, get help immediately by dialling 999.

As part of Stroke Awareness Month,we have informative literature available at our shop at 49 Station Road, N21 3NB. In addition, people can visit for free impartial advice and information on the support that Home Care Preferred can provide people who are recovering from a stroke.