May is Stroke Awareness Month. Supported by The Stroke Association, this is an opportunity to highlight the serious nature and high rates of stroke in the UK, to raise awareness of the condition, its symptoms, prevention and treatment, and ensure better care and support for stroke survivors and their families.

We can all play our part to help raise awareness – use the hashtag #MakeMayPurple when interacting on social media in order to get involved.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced. The brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to begin to die.

Stroke can lead to brain injury, disability and can sometimes be fatal. It can be devastating for patients and their families, both at the time and in terms of the long term impact on their daily lives.

Stroke is the fourth biggest killer in the UK, with one in six men and one in five women having a stroke in their lives. There are 400 childhood strokes every year in the UK.

What are the main causes of Stroke?

There are 2 main types of stroke; ischaemic stroke and haemorrhagic stroke.

Ischaemic strokes, accounting for 85% of all cases, are the most common type of stroke and occur when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain in an artery. These blood clots usually form where arteries have become narrowed or blocked over time.

A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when there is a leaking or bursting of a weakened blood vessel which supplies the brain.

A third related category, transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is caused by a temporary blockage in an artery that leads to the brain. The blockage (usually a blood clot) stops blood from flowing to certain parts of the brain. A TIA does not cause lasting symptoms because the blockage is temporary. However, TIAs should be treated urgently as they are often a warning sign of the risk of an impending full stroke.

What are the main symptoms to be aware of?

We can use the word FAST to help us remember the main symptoms of stroke:

• FACE – may have dropped on one side, mouth or eye may have dropped, may lose the ability to smile
• ARMS – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there due to weakness or numbness in one arm
• SPEECH – may be slurred, may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake, inability to understand what is being said or what is written
• TIME – it’s time to dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms.

Other symptoms which may indicate an impending or actual stroke include; severe headache with vomiting, difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, difficulty swallowing, difficulty walking (impaired coordination), muscular spasms and a metallic taste in the mouth.

A stroke is a medical emergency and the sooner a person receives treatment, the less damage is likely to occur. Even if symptoms improve, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

What are the main risk factors for Stroke?

There are a number of medical conditions which may increase your risk of having a stroke. These include:

• high blood pressure (hypertension) – is one of the biggest risk factors of stroke and can triple your risk of stroke and heart disease. It usually has no symptoms
• high cholesterol – is a major factor of stroke. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can cause fatty deposits to build up in your arteries
• diabetes – almost doubles your risk of having a stroke. High levels of sugar in your blood can damage your blood vessels and nerves, increasing your risk of stroke
• irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) – makes your risk of stroke five times higher. If you suspect your pulse is irregular make an appointment with your GP.

Other risk factors which may increase your risk of stroke include; obesity, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, smoking, family history of stroke, cardiovascular diseases, age (people over 55 years are at higher risk) and gender (men are at higher risk than women).

How can you help to prevent Stroke?

The following strategies and lifestyle choices can help to prevent or lower your risk of stroke:

• diet and healthy eating
• reduce the amount of cholesterol and saturated fat in your diet – a blood test through your GP or pharmacist can confirm if you have high cholesterol
• adequate control of diabetes
• get your blood pressure checked regularly
• avoid illicit drugs
• regular and appropriate exercise
• cease or reduce smoking and alcohol intake.

How is a Stroke diagnosed?

There are a number of diagnostic tests and procedures which can be used by a specialist emergency team to determine the type of stroke you are having and the areas of the brain affected, and thus the most appropriate treatment for your stroke.

These include; a physical examination, blood test, CT scan, Ultrasound scan, MRI brain scan, cerebral angiogram and echocardiogram.

How is a Stroke treated?

This will depend on what type of stroke you have, which part of the brain is affected and what caused it. Stokes are usually treated with medication, including medicines to reduce blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. If the diagnosis is made within appropriate time frames, and you are a suitable candidate, clot-busting drugs (thrombolysis) can be administered to dissolve the blood clot.

Surgery may also be required to treat swelling in the brain and reduce the risk of further bleeding in the brain if this was the cause of the stroke.

Recovering from a Stoke

People who survive a stroke are often left with long term problems as a result of brain injury. Some people may require a lengthy period of rehabilitation in order to return to their former level of independence, while others may never fully recover and may require different levels of ongoing care and support for the rest of their lives.

For more information about Stroke and the support that is available, visit the following websites:

• The Stroke Association – www.stroke.org.uk
• NHS England – www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/

We Can Help You

If you have concerns about your own or a loved one’s diagnosis or treatment of a stroke, our team of Medical Negligence lawyers has experience in this area and may be able to assist you in pursuing a Medical Negligence claim.

Please get in contact with our specialist Medical Negligence team on 0330 404 0777 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Our experienced team of lawyers will be able to offer advice and guide you through every step of the claims process and our in-house rehabilitation coordinators can help to support you through your recovery.