Full list of topics

What happened? The first few days after a stroke :
The event: A stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Getting medical help
Getting a diagnosis
Early care experiences
A doctor speaks – an introduction to stroke

What problems did I have, and why? :
Changes to movement
Changes in sensations
Changes to vision
Continence and cathererisation
Eating and drinking
Speech and communication
Thinking, understanding, memory and fatigue
Emotional Impact of stroke

Why me? Why now? Reducing risk of another stroke? :
Causes and risk factors
Medication to prevent another stroke
Surgery
Preventing another stroke: Changes in life style

What happens now? Rehabilitation & care :
Stroke recovery: daily activities and personal care
Stroke recovery: physical aspects and mobility
Stroke recovery: communication disorders
Leaving hospital

Life after stroke. What is the long-term like? :
Major disability
When stroke is coupled with other health problems
When stroke happens at a young age
Coping strategies and resilience
Continuing care at home and institutional care
Driving and transport
What's important in care
Social support
Support from patients and support groups
Sex life and impact on relationships
Messages to others
Finding information

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Stroke

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Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

He had a stroke due to a clot aged 49 which caused right paralysis and speech problems. Medication: bendroflumethiazide, perindopril (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin, persantin (antiplatelets), baclofen (muscle spasms).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 05 >> Her parents were badly affected by the stroke and didn't initially come to visit her. She wanted to protect them so only cried in front of a social wo

She had two strokes 3 months apart (aged 43) due to haemorrhages from arterial venous malformations. The second stroke caused right-sided paralysis and muscles spasm. Medication: baclofen (spasms), phenergan (anxiety), phenytoin (epilepsy due to a brain tumour age 41).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She tried to keep things as normal as possible for her daughters but worries that they have been affected. People have reassured her that it may make

She had a stroke (aged 41) due to a clot from a hole in her heart which caused left-sided paralysis, numbness and central post stroke pain (CPSP). Medication: simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet), gabapentin, amitriptyline (CPSP).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 11 >> A few years after her stroke her son needed some counselling because the experience had caused him some deep seated worries.

She had a stroke caused by a clot at the age of 34. The stroke caused left-sided paralysis, left hemianopia (loss of vision in left field) and epilepsy. Medication: aspirin (antiplatelet), epilim, tegretol (epilepsy).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> He felt guilty seeing his wife go out to work and then come home and do the house work.

He had his stroke at the age of 53 during an emergency heart operation. His stroke caused partial right-sided paralysis and vision loss. Medication: bisoprolol (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She had several disagreements with her mother because she was helpful after the stroke but was reluctant to let her get back to doing things herself.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 33 >> Advises other people's families to not discourage the person from trying to do things for themselves and give them space.

She had a stroke due to a clot aged 67, which caused weakness of her left arm and face and some initial speech problems. Medication: perindropril (blood pressure) simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin, delayed release dipyridamole (antiplatelets).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 22 >> They think that support is mainly given to the patient and should be more readily available for the family. They eventually got help through a stroke

He had two stroke due to clots aged 59. The strokes caused ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria and double vision. Medication: atenolol (blood pressure), bezafibrate (cholesterol), warfarin (anticoagulant), hyoscine (reduce saliva), Thick 'n' easy (thickens drinks).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Clare - Interview 56 >> Clare wrote letters to her aunt with her non-dominant hand as a form of therapy.

Clare experienced a stroke while at home with her husband. She had blurred vision which she initially thought was a symptom of her diabetes. In addition to diabetes and stroke, Clare has had lifelong health issues including kidney problems, for which she is undergoing dialysis.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> David - Interview 61 >> David describes a near death experience where his family is behind him and a white figure in front of him.

David experienced two strokes in 2003 in addition to two episodes of pneumonia. The stroke, which affected his mobility, balance, and ability to drive, led to an early retirement from his job as a monitoring officer for the local council.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 17 >> He wouldn't tell people that he had problems with speech and would struggle. Others from a support group encouraged him to tell people and he found th

He had a stroke owing to a blocked left carotid artery aged 66 which caused aphasia and reading and writing problems. Medication: amlodipine, bendroflumethiazide (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin, dipyridamole (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 49 >> Likes meeting other people with aphasia at Connect meetings and found lots of people she meets there have aphasia.

She had a stroke due a clot caused by a hereditary clotting disorder age 29, which caused aphasia, right paralysis and epilepsy. Medication: lipitor (cholesterol), warfarin (anticoagulant), tegretol, epilim (epilepsy), baclofen (spasms in arm).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 51 >> Finds it helpful to go to Connect meetings to discuss news and other issues and to share experiences with people who have the same problem.

He had a stroke due to a clot aged 38 which caused severe aphasia and right paralysis of his leg and arm. Medication: dipyridamole (blood pressure), aspirin (antiplatelet), simvastatin (cholesterol).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Finding information >> Finding information

Finding Information

>> Stroke >> Finding information >> Finding information

Finding Information

>> Stroke >> Finding information >> Finding information

Finding Information

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

>> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

>> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

>> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Social support >> Social support

Social support

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 76-95 >> Interview 21 >> Lives alone but feels her friends have been very supportive and have given her lifts everywhere.

She had a stroke due to a clot aged 82 which caused left weakness. Medication bendroflumethiazide, ramapril (blood pressure), aspirin (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 11 >> A few years after her stroke her son needed some counselling because the experience had caused him some deep seated worries.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 11 >> A few years after her stroke her son needed some counselling because the experience had caused him some deep seated worries.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She tried to keep things as normal as possible for her daughters but worries that they have been affected. People have reassured her that it may make

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She tried to keep things as normal as possible for her daughters but worries that they have been affected. People have reassured her that it may make

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 05 >> Her parents were badly affected by the stroke and didn't initially come to visit her. She wanted to protect them so only cried in front of a social wo

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 05 >> Her parents were badly affected by the stroke and didn't initially come to visit her. She wanted to protect them so only cried in front of a social wo

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 14 >> She felt very vulnerable and frightened at being home and thinks her husband did not understand. She would like to see more support for people when th

She had a stroke due to a hemorrhage aged 60, which caused left paralysis, spasms, central post stroke pain (CPSP) and depression. Medication: bendrofluazide (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), fluoxetine (depression), gabapentin (CPSP).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> When he first got home he found even getting washed and dressed very tiring and was very dependant on his wife.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Ralph - Interview 60 >> Ralph feels that care providers should not assume that family and friends are always available.

One morning Ralph awoke to feelings of pins and needles in his arm and leg. Recognising that there was a problem, he immediately called NHS Direct. Ralph was happy with the quick response, but felt that things fell apart afterward. Since he lived alone and had no social support network (i.e., family to call), he discharged himself from the hospital.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> Developed a strong bond with the women she was in hospital with and feels the experience has made her a more humane person.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 14 >> Was initially encouraged when a woman who had had a stroke came to talk to her in hospital but then felt disappointed not to be recovering as quickly.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 22 >> They think that support is mainly given to the patient and should be more readily available for the family. They eventually got help through a stroke

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 33 >> Advises other people's families to not discourage the person from trying to do things for themselves and give them space.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 33 >> Advises other people's families to not discourage the person from trying to do things for themselves and give them space.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She had several disagreements with her mother because she was helpful after the stroke but was reluctant to let her get back to doing things herself.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> She had several disagreements with her mother because she was helpful after the stroke but was reluctant to let her get back to doing things herself.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> He felt guilty seeing his wife go out to work and then come home and do the house work.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> He felt guilty seeing his wife go out to work and then come home and do the house work.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 19 >> His friends were happy to take him away for a weekend and didn't have a problem with him being in a wheelchair.

Stroke at 45 due to dissection of right carotid artery. Caused left paralysis, spasms & painful spasticity. Medication: perindopril (blood pressure) statin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet), citalopram (depression) clonazepam, tramadol (spasms/pain).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 07 >> Was worried his wife might leave him but a psychologist helped him understand that this was unlikely as she been there every day when he was unconscio

He had a stroke/hemorrhage aged 47 which caused left paralysis, vision loss and epilepsy. Medication: bendroflemethiazide, celiprolol (blood pressure), atorvastatin (cholesterol), phenytoin, sodium valproate (epilepsy), paroxetine (depression).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 01 >> Enjoyed meeting people from different backgrounds in hospital and admired the determination of one of the men at the gym.

He had a stroke due to hemorrhage aged 57, which caused left paralysis, left neglect and some early problems with speech. Medication: atenolol, ramipril (blood pressure), levetiracetam (epilepsy), paroxetine (antidepressant), omeprazole, (gastric resistant tablets).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> Apart from a couple of members of his wife's family his only contact with people who have had strokes is at his rehab gym, where he finds the educatio

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 17 >> Gains a lot from the two support groups he attends where he enjoys the friendly and non- judgmental atmosphere.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 53 >> He had been given a card to show to people explaining that he had a stroke and has communication difficulties. He has found this helpful and has used

He had a stroke due to a clot which came from his heart aged 55. The stroke caused right sided weakness and aphasia. Medication: perindopril (blood pressure) simvastatin (cholesterol), warfarin (anticoagulant).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 51 >> Finds it helpful to go to Connect meetings to discuss news and other issues and to share experiences with people who have the same problem.

He had a stroke due to a clot aged 38 which caused severe aphasia and right paralysis of his leg and arm. Medication: dipyridamole (blood pressure), aspirin (antiplatelet), simvastatin (cholesterol).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 30 >> A charity called the Brain and Spine Foundation recommended she start using a diary to help her remember things which she found was very useful advice

She had two sub arachnoid haemorrhages (age 32 and 52). The first caused temporary left weakness and the second some memory problems and migraine. Medication. atenolol, lisinopril (blood pressure), co-codamol (migraine).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 49 >> Likes meeting other people with aphasia at Connect meetings and found lots of people she meets there have aphasia.

>> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

>> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Support from patients and support groups >> Support from patients and support groups

Support from other patients and support groups

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 49 >> Finds it helpful to meet other people with aphasia at Connect meetings and found lots of other people have aphasia through attending.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 22 >> They used to attend a stroke club in London which provided exercise and support for people who had had a stroke and also contact with other carers. Ol

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 16 >> Was disappointed that the Different Strokes support group he attended was very focused on fund raising, but met someone at the group that he still see

He had a stroke due to a clot at the age of 55 which stroke caused initial paralysis on his left side. Current medication: ramipril, bendroflemethiazide (blood pressure), lipitor (cholesterol), aspirin, dipyridamole (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 11 >> Felt that she had nothing in common with the people at the stroke group - who all seemed to be heavy smokers and drinkers who had had several strokes.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 05 >> Has some mixed feelings about joining a support group even though he likes the idea of a group for younger people. Enjoys regular contact with a close

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 17 >> Gains a lot from the two support groups he attends where he enjoys the friendly and non- judgmental atmosphere.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 18 >> Get in touch with the Stroke Association for good information. It's good to meet other people who have had a stroke but avoid people who make you feel

She had a stroke aged 59 which caused right weakness, pain, vision & memory loss. Medication: perindopril, amlodipine (blood pressure) pravastatin, Ezetimibe (cholesterol), aspirin and dipyridamole (antiplatelet), escitalopram (depression), carbamazepine (pain).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 22 >> They think that support is mainly given to the patient and should be more readily available for the family. They eventually got help through a stroke

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 43 >> Wondered whether a stroke support group would be useful for other people in his community. Felt it would be better, and less medical, than more time i

He had a stroke due to a haemorrhage age 70 which caused right sided weakness and problems with balance and speech. He as also had some depression and anxiety. Medication: enalapril maleate (blood pressure), furosemide (water), citalopram (depression).

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