Stroke

1. Stroke Jo Hall Stroke Prevention Strategy Officer Thurrock Council

2. What is a Stroke Stroke is the result of damage to the brain, either from bleeding into it or a lack of blood in some part of the brain, so the function of that part is permanently or temporarily stopped. A stroke is a sudden episode that interferes, temporarily or permanently, with the way the brain works.

3. Stroke Strokes vary greatly in severity from a short period of muscle weakness to a more severe problems that can lead to death

4. Stroke and it�s effect Can cause death and is the third biggest cause of death in the UK and the largest single cause of disability Each year in the UK 110,000 people will suffer from a stroke In Thurrock in 2010 810 people are predicted to have a stroke

5. Main effects of stroke Paralysis on one side of the body Loss of memory Sensory loss so that part of the body doesn�t seem to belong Loss of vision Language difficulties in understanding aphasia

6. Main effects of stroke Inability to count Loss of power to recognise objects by feel Incontinence Severe personality changes Difficulty swallowing Depression

7. Stroke Two main types of stroke Cerebral Haemorrhage: bleeding into or around the brain Cerebral thrombosis: blockage of blood vessels in the brain, usually by a blood clot

8. TIA A TIA, sometimes called a mini stroke is similar to a full stroke but the symptoms may only last a few minutes and will have completely gone in 24 hours. Don�t ignore this because it could lead to a major stroke See your GP as soon as possible and ask to be referred to a specialised stroke service. This should happen within 7 days. friendfriend

9. What are the signs Facial weakness. Can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye dropped? Arm weakness. Can the person raise both arms. Speech problems. Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say. if you answer yes to any of these it�s time to call 999.� It�s really important to recognise that stroke is a medical emergency. By calling 999, you can help the person reach hospital quickly and receive the treatment they need. Fast action can prevent further damage to the brain and help someone make a full recovery.

10. Why all the attention on stroke Government launched strategy in December 2007 To ensure stroke is treated as a medical emergency Rapid treatment for some types of stroke ensures better recovery More community based services needed

11. Treatment in 1700 Put to bed with head well raised Bleed freely (1-2 pints) Apply warm mustard poultices Open bowels quickly and freely Throw up a turpentine clyster Cut of the hair Apply rags of vinegar (or gin) and water 8-10 leeches on temple opposite paralysed side

12. Treatment today Need to be seen, assessed and treated within 3 hours of onset of symptoms Given clot busting drugs if appropriate Every chance of making a full recovery Brian in ChelmsfordBrian in Chelmsford

13. Prevention Stop smoking Maintain a healthy weight Eat a healthy, balanced diet, 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day Cut down on salty foods and limit amount of salt put on food Limit alcohol intake Exercise Ensure blood sugar levels are stable if a diabetic Keep a check on cholesterol levels Regularly check blood pressure

14. Where can I find more information Many local pharmacies are doing blood pressure checks and will provide you will more information. Local libraries have a wealth of information and also provide access to the internet Cardiovascular clinic at Thurrock Hospital for those aged 40-74 years GP surgeries

15. Stroke Any questions Contact details: Jo Hall Stroke Prevention Strategy Officer Jhall@thurrock.gov.uk 01375 652435