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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 >> Getting medical help >> Getting medical help

Getting medical help

>> Stroke >> Getting medical help >> Getting medical help

Getting medical help

>> Stroke >> Getting medical help >> Getting medical help

Getting medical help

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 16 >> He woke in the morning feeling like he had slept awkwardly on his leg but the feeling did not pass and on trying to stand his leg and arm gave way.

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 76-95 >> Interview 21 >> Her GP apologised that he had not picked up that her balance problems were the start of her stroke.

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 66-75 >> Interview 13 >> His partner realised he'd had a stroke because the left side of his face was drooping.

He had a stroke due to a clot aged 66 which caused left weakness, pain/sensitivity and epilepsy. Medication: atenolol, perindopril (blood pressure), atorvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet), Epilim (epilepsy), citalopram (anxiety).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 34 >> Her daughter found her on the floor she was unable to move or speak and remembers very little apart from her daughter panicking.

She had a stroke due to a dissection of the right carotid artery at the age of 55. The stroke caused left paralysis of her leg and arm and problems with eating and speaking. Medication: simvastatin (cholesterol), warfarin (anticlotting).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 14 >> The left side of her body went numb and she was unable to speak. Her speech recovered when she was given oxygen in the ambulance.

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 12 >> When she had the stroke she was completely paralysed and when she tried to speak strange noises came out her mouth.

She had a stroke at the age of 48 due to a dissection of the left carotid artery. Her stroke caused aphasia and epilepsy. Medication: pravastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet), Epilim, Frisium and levetiracetam (epilepsy).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 76-95 >> Interview 27 >> He had frequent transient ischaemic attacks which caused temporary dizziness, hand weakness and visual loss.

He had multiple TIAs from the age 81. Within a year he had bilateral carotid endarterectomies which were successful. Medication: lisinopril, bendrofluazide, atenolol (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> Realises that two events before her major stroke were probably transient ischaemic attacks and wishes she had got help sooner.

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 66-75 >> Interview 20 >> Thought her problems with vision, speech and a drooped mouth were due to migraine or old age. But went to the doctor after 2 weeks and was diagnosed w

This woman had a stroke due to a clot from her heart at the age of 67 which caused mild visual loss and temporary speech problems. Medication: amplodopine, atenolol (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), warfarin, (anticoagulation).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 01 >> He was very appreciative of a friend because she phoned 999 quickly which meant there was little delay in the operation he required for his haemorrhag

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 66-75 >> Interview 33 >> Her daughter heard that her voice was slurred on the phone and got help. She felt okay and was surprised when the paramedics wanted to take her to hos

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 28 >> The landlord at the local pub noticed his face had dropped on one side and called an ambulance.

He had a stroke due to a clot aged 62, which caused right weakness, spasms and speech problems. Medication: ramipril, diltiazem hydrochloride, prazosin hydrochloride, adalat (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin, dipyridamole (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 31 >> His brother told him that he should have phoned the doctor as soon as he felt unwell because more can be done to help in the first few hours.

This man had two TIAs (aged 56) and a stroke (aged 57) due to clots. The stroke caused temporary paralysis on his left. Medication: perindopril, bendroflumethiazide (blood pressure), atorvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin, delayed release dipyridamole (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 76-95 >> Interview 45 >> A woman who only spoke Punjabi knew her symptoms suggested a stroke but could not tell the doctor and was sent home from hospital. (Video & Audio clip

She had a stroke due to a clot aged 72 which caused left weakness of her leg and arm. Medication: amplodopine, doxazosin, enalapril (blood pressure) furosemide (water), simvastatin, aspirin (cholesterol), fluoxetine (depression).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 09 >> The staff in A and E did not realise her symptoms were due to stroke because she was young. They kept asking if her husband had hit her.

She had a stroke at the age of 30 due to a clot which possibly originated from a hole in her heart. The stroke could also have been caused by smoking. Her stroke caused visual memory and visual field defects. Medication: simvastatin (cholesterol), aspirin (anticoagulation).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 09 >> The staff in A and E did not realise her symptoms were due to stroke because she was young. They kept asking if her husband had hit her.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 18 >> The loss of sensation makes it feel like half her body has been removed and reattached and when she walks her leg feels artificial.

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 46-55 >> Interview 06 >> His leg and arm were initially paralysed and had no sensation. He recalls the shock of realising that his arm was preventing him turning the newspaper

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 76-95 >> Interview 32 >> She feels that her hand is unpleasantly cold so she wears a glove to stop it becoming painful.

She had a stroke due to a clot at the age of 88. The stroke caused weakness and cold sensitivity in her left hand and problems with eating and drinking. Medication: Antibiotics.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 07 >> Can feel temperature and pain in his leg and arm but not movement. He sometimes has to wake his wife because he has lain on his arm and can't get it f

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 05 >> Experienced irritating muscle spasms which have continued after her stroke. She finds the muscle relaxant baclofen helps.

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 56-65 >> Interview 18 >> Feels that painful conditions after stroke are poorly understood but has received useful information from the Stroke Association.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 35 >> His wife says that he often complains of a having a wet foot but the doctor has explained that the stroke has made his mind play tricks.

He had a stroke due to a haemorrhage aged 65 which caused left paralysis and problems with incontinence, memory and mood. Medication: perindropril (blood pressure), simvastatin (cholesterol), loperamide (to constipate), fluoxetine (aggression).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> Has severe pain which she has been told is central post stroke pain due to a clot which damaged part of her brain causing it to send pain messages.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Interview 14 >> Took amitryptiline for central post stroke pain but experienced side effects and now takes gabapentin which is some help.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Interview 10 >> Manages her severe central post stroke pain with relaxation, hot baths and distraction Medication and alternative therapies have not helped.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 19 >> He has pain in his shoulder because it has become partially dislocated due to the weight of his paralysed arm. He wears a special sling to support the

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 21-45 >> Interview 02 >> She completely lost her speech after her stroke which she said felt like being trapped in a box. She tried to communicate with her eyes but it did not

She had a stroke after an operation to remove a malignant melanoma. The stroke caused right weakness of her arm and problems with speech. Medication: aspirin (antiplatelet).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Interview 19 >> His speech was initially very slurred due to muscle weakness. He has ongoing problems regulating the volume and speed and thinks that his singing has

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> Interview 18 >> Feels that painful conditions after stroke are poorly understood but has received useful information from the Stroke Association.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Clare - Interview 56 >> Clare was at home working with her husband when her eyesight went blurry, She initially thought this was related to her diabetes.

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 >> Mr Singh - Interview 58 >> Mr Singh had a stroke in hospital after being admitted for a heart attack. The stroke occurred overnight.

Mr. Singh had a heart attack and four strokes between 2003 and 2010. The strokes affected his left side and left him feeling restricted. His heart muscle is damaged and his heartbeat irregular. Over time he has regained some strength in his left leg but cannot use his left hand. Since having his heart attack and strokes, he has made many lifestyle changes which include daily exercise and healthy eating. His goal is to throw away his walking stick by next year.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Gavin - Interview 63 >> Gavin was home alone when he suffered a haemorrhagic stroke. With much difficulty he managed to call 999.

Gavin is a 47 year old media representative/spokesperson. He lives at home with his wife and two children. He is not working right now because of his stroke, but hopes to return to some type of work one day. His ethnic background is White British.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 21-45 >> Michelle - Interview 65 >> Michelle experienced a TIA before her stroke and feels that her symptoms did not correspond to the signs outlined in the FAST campaign.

Michelle experienced her TIA at the age of 26. She experienced visual disturbance and was unable to speak coherently but after five or ten minutes the symptoms gradually subsided. She had several of these episodes over the following months which were not diagnosed specifically as TIA and then later went on to experience a full stroke.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Malcolm - Interview 59 >> Malcolm experienced pains in his chest and was sweating. He assumed that he was having an angina attack.

When Malcolm had his stroke he initially thought that he was having an angina attack. Malcolm has other health conditions including angina, diabetes, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, and is registered blind.