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National Sentinel Stroke Audit 2010
FAQ'S
- What is a Stroke?
- Who may be at risk of Stroke?
- What is TIA?
- What are the first signs of having a Stroke?
- What should I do if Stroke occours?
- What should I do if I feel I am at risk of Stroke?
- Is my GP the best point of contact?
- Can I drive after a stroke?
- How can I take advantage of any new initiatives in Stroke Care?
What is a Stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Without a blood supply, brain cells can be damaged or destroyed and won’t be able to do their job. Because the brain controls everything the body does, damage to the brain will affect body functions. For example, if a stroke damages the part of the brain that controls how limbs move, limb movement will be affected.
The brain also controls how we think, learn, feel and communicate. A stroke can also affect these mental processes .A stroke is sudden and the effects on the body are immediate. (Stroke Association –what is a stroke)
Stroke can be caused by blocked blood vessels (cerebral infarct) or ruptured blood vessels ( intracerebral haemorrhage)
Who may be at risk of Stroke?
A stroke can happen with no obvious cause, to people of any age - but there are factors known to increase the likelihood of it happening. Some of these factors are things that can't be changed. Other risks may be reduced by lifestyle changes or medication. Risk factors include:
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Genes and family history of stroke and heart problems
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Age - increase risk with age.Diet - eating habits leading to a poor diet with increase in risk of high cholesterolAlcohol - excessive alcohol intake.
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Smoking leads to a higher risk of all types of stroke
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Lack of regular exercise particularly where overweight is an issue
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High Blood Pressure/Hypertension and High Cholesterol- these two conditions significantly increase the risk (Stroke Association prevention)
What is TIA?
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is often called a ‘mini-stroke’ or’ warning stroke.’
The symptoms are similar to those of a full-blown stroke, but they do not last as long – anything from a few minutes up to 24 hours. As with a stroke, the symptoms mean that a part of the brain is not getting enough blood and oxygen. A TIA should never be ignored. Without treatment, about one in four people who have had a TIA will go on to have a full blown stroke within a few years. (Stroke Association factsheet on TIA). The risk of a full blown stroke after a TIA is greatest in the first few days and so all patients with TIA symptoms should seek urgent medical attention
What are the first signs of having a Stroke?
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Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
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Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
What should I do if Stroke occours?
Call 999
Every minute counts. The longer blood flow is cut off to the brain, the greater the damage. The most common type of stroke, ischemic stroke, can be treated with a drug that dissolves clots blocking the flow. The window of opportunity to start treating stroke patients is three hours and the person needs to be at the hospital within 60 minutes of having a stroke to be evaluated and receive treatment.
Take action. If a stroke or TIA occurs you need to remember:
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Not all warning signs occur in every stroke; don’t ignore the signs, even if they go away.
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Check the time. When did the first symptom start? You will be asked this important question.
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If you or someone with you has one or more stroke symptoms that last more than a few minutes, immediately call 999 for an ambulance.
What should I do if I feel I am at risk of Stroke?
While family history of stroke plays a role, there are many risk factors you can control.
Ways that some people can reduce their risk of having a stroke are:
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Contact your GP
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If you have high blood pressure work with your doctor to get it under control, many people do not realise they have high blood pressure but it is a major risk; managing your high blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to avoid stroke
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If you smoke, give up. Cigarette smoking is the number one preventable risk factor for a stroke. The nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood. They also damage the walls of blood vessels, making clots more likely to form. Using some oral contraceptives combined with cigarette smoking greatly increases stroke risk.
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If you have diabetes, learn how to manage it as diabetes increases the chance of stroke. People with diabetes often have high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and are overweight, increasing their stroke risk even more.
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If you are overweight, start maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Physical inactivity and a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can raise blood cholesterol levels. Diets high in salt can contribute to increased blood pressure, and high-calorie diets can contribute to obesity. A diet with five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day may reduce the risk of stroke. Introducing physical activity to your routine can also reduce the risk so go on a brisk walk, take the stairs, try and introduce at least 30 minutes of activity on most or all days.
Is my GP the best point of contact?
When you are discharged from hospital you will be given a typed discharge summary outlining the details of your stroke admission for you to keep. Your GP will be sent a copy of this. It is normally recommended that you plan to see your GP within 6 weeks of discharge to review your stroke prevention treatments. You are likely to need to contact your GP practice within 2 weeks to arrange for a continuation of your discharge drug medication.
All patients discharged from the stroke unit are seen approximately 3 months later at the stroke out patient department Atkinson Morley Wing, St George’s Hospital. If you have not received an appointment please contact Emma Sperring – 020 8725 4734.
If you need further therapy input to help your stroke recovery you are likely to be referred to your local community rehabilitation team. (Merton rehab team,Lambeth rehab team)
Can I drive after a stroke?
The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) rules that no one should drive for the first month after a stroke. Whether you can go back to driving after that depends on what problems you have been left with after the stroke and what sort of vehicle you are driving.
The most important consideration must be whether you are able to drive safely, without putting you and other road users and pedestrians at risk. Your doctor will be able to give you guidance as to whether you will be allowed to drive, but if there is any doubt you should arrange to be assessed at one of the mobility centres where you can be put through a full evaluation. (Queen Elizabeth mobility centre) They will not only tell you whether you are able to drive but also give you advice on the changes that would need to be made to your car. As well as telling the DVLA, you must also notify your insurance company of your stroke; if you don't, they may refuse to cover you if you have an accident.
If you develop epilepsy as a result of your stroke, you must have been free of fits for a year before your licence will be returned. If you drive a public service or a heavy goods vehicle (anything over 3.5 tonnes) the regulations are much more stringent and you are likely to be refused your licence for a period of five years (Stroke Association factsheet on driving)
