Stroke

What is a stroke?

Your brain needs a constant supply of blood to work properly. A stroke happens when this blood flow is suddenly reduced or stopped.

Most strokes are caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. In other cases, a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain.

Ischemic stroke

Blockage of blood vessels; lack of blood flow to affected area

Hemorrhagic stroke

Rupture of blood vessels; leakage of blood

When part of the brain doesn’t get enough blood, it also doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs. This can damage the brain cells in that area.

What happens after a stroke?

A stroke can injure or kill brain cells. This can affect the skills controlled by the damaged area of the brain.

For example, someone may have:

  • Weakness on one side of their body
  • Problems with speech or understanding language
  • Changes in sensation, balance, or coordination
  • Problems with memory, concentration and planning activities
  • Problems with eating, drinking and swallowing

Your symptoms may depend on which area of the brain has been affected:

What can increase your risk of stroke?

After a stroke, many people worry about having another one.

Your risk is higher once you’ve had a stroke, but understanding what caused it can help you lower that risk with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. If you’re unsure about your own risk factors, you can speak to your GP or consultant for more information and support.

Some of the common risk factors for stroke include:

  • Smoking
  • Eating an unhealthy diet
  • High cholesterol
  • Being overweight
  • High blood pressure
  • Not being physically active
  • Diabetes
  • Conditions that affect blood clotting
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • An irregular heart rhythm (such as atrial fibrillation)

Will I get better?

Every stroke is different, so recovery varies from person to person.

Many people notice some improvement in the first days and weeks, but recovery can continue for months or even years. Some people may recover almost fully, while others may have longer-term difficulties. The team will work with you to identify your short and long-term goals, and agree a rehabilitation programme that suits your own individual needs.

Where can I find out more?

The Stroke Association has lots more useful information and resources:

https://www.stroke.org.uk/

Stroke support helpline: 0303 3033 100 (Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm)

Headway is a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury (including stroke) by providing support and information services.

Headway website: www.headway.org.uk

Headway Norfolk & Waveney branch: https://headway-nw.org.uk/home/     

Headway freephone helpline: 0808 800 2244 (9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday)

Email:  helpline@headway.org.uk

You can also look at the NHS website:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/

Local support

As well as their online communities, you can also get face-to-face support through local Stroke Association groups.

Great Yarmouth:  
When: Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm
Where: New Road Sports & Leisure Centre, New Road, Belton
Contact: Sue Casey    
Telephone: 01493 781846                               
Email: caseytopcat@btinternet.com   incase@btinternet.com 

Lowestoft:  
When: Fridays 10.00am – 12noon
Where:  St Margarets Church Hall, Hollingsworth Road, Lowestoft
Contacts: Kate & Ray Outbridge
Telephone: 07917 795453 / 07780431518 
Email: lowestoftstroke@aol.com  

Online stroke support websites: 
http://selfhelp4stroke.org/ 
http://www.stroke4carers.org/ 

Different Strokes: Information 
 
Different Strokes | Stroke Charity Helping Younger Stroke Survivors
Meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 1-3pm at Café Bar Marzano in The Forum, 2 Millenium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF
Contact Charmain Woollard
Telephone: 07305 833327
Email: norwich@differentstrokes.co.uk