A stroke is when blood can’t get to all parts of your brain. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients for your brain cells. If blood can’t get through, your brain can be injured. Your arteries can get blocked, which is called an ischaemic stroke. Or your arteries can break, which is called a haemorrhagic stroke. Show The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the signs of stroke. If you see any of the signs, call triple zero (000) straight away. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs only last for a few minutes, call triple zero (000). After a suspected stroke everyone should have a brain scan. Stroke affects everyone differently. It depends on:
Rehabilitation is where you work on things that have changed since your stroke. Your rehabilitation team will help you to do things again and find new ways to do things. Signs of a strokeThe F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.
There can be other signs too:
If you see any of the signs of stroke, call triple zero (000) straight away. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs only last for a few minutes, call triple zero (000). CausesA stroke risk factor increases your risk of having a stroke. Stroke risk factors include: Medical problems can also cause strokes:
These things increase women’s risk of having a stroke: After a stroke, your doctor will talk to you about your risk factors. They’ll let you know what you need to do to lower your risk of another stroke. They’ll talk with you about being active, eating well, being a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and stopping smoking. They’ll prescribe medication to lower your risk of having another stroke. TestsTests vary from person to person. Some of them include:
Your doctor will discuss your test results with you. TreatmentIschaemic stroke. You may be given medication to clear your artery. This is called thrombolysis. You may have an operation to unblock the artery. This is called thrombectomy or endovascular clot retrieval (ECR). Haemorrhagic stroke. Doctors and nurses may give you medication to slow down or stop the bleeding in your brain. You may need an operation to remove blood, relieve pressure or repair an artery in your brain. You may also need treatment for medical problems that caused your stroke. Changes after strokeStroke affects everyone differently. It depends on:
After a stroke, you may experience some of the changes listed below. Walk and move
Talk, understand, read, writeYou may find:
This is called aphasia. If the muscles you use to talk don’t work properly, your speech may be slurred. SwallowYou may have trouble swallowing. Food and drink can go down the wrong way. It can get into your lungs instead of your stomach. This can make you sick. Think and rememberIt may be hard to:
PersonalityYou may find you:
VisionYour vision can change:
Touch, taste, smellYou may find how things taste or smell is different. You may find you:
PainYou may feel pain if a part of your body is injured. Stiff and tight muscles can cause pain. You may also feel pain because of changes in your brain, even though you are not injured. Going to the toiletYou may not know you need to go to the toilet. Movement changes can make it hard to get to the toilet in time. SexStroke can change how your body feels, and how you feel about yourself. You may have trouble with:
FatigueFatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy. Fatigue is common after a stroke. EmotionsIt’s normal to have strong feelings after a stroke. You may be worried, scared, sad, embarrassed, grateful or hopeful. Emotional lability is when your emotional responses don’t make sense. You may laugh at something sad. You may laugh or cry uncontrollably. Depression and anxietyIt’s normal to feel sad or worried after a stroke. Depression and anxiety are different – they are medical conditions. Depression and anxiety make life hard.
Never ignore the signs of depression and anxiety. You can get treatment. Most people get better. Talk with your doctor. Let your family and friends know how you are feeling. RehabilitationRehabilitation is where you work on things that have changed since your stroke. There are different types of rehabilitation services. It depends on what’s best for you and what’s available in your area. Your rehabilitation team will help you to do things again and find new ways to do things. Rehabilitation helps your brain change. If part of your brain has been injured, a different part can learn to take over its job. It takes a lot of work to make this happen. You’ll need to do exercises and practice doing things over and over. MedicationAfter a stroke, most people need to take medication for the rest of their life. Your doctor may prescribe:
Always talk with your doctor before you:
Where to get helpIf you see any of the signs of stroke, call triple zero (000) immediately. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs go away, call triple zero (000).
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